Publication: Lues Maligna in Immunocompetent Individuals: Two Case Reports
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Lues maligna, also termed malignant syphilis or rupioid syphilis, is a rare and severe form of secondary syphilis. Clinically, the condition is characterized by unusual nodules and necrotic and ulcerated skin lesions covered by thick, lamellated crusts associated with severe constitutional symptoms. Most of the lues maligna cases have been observed in immunocompromised individuals, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infected patients, alcoholics, malnourished individuals, and patients with debilitating illnesses. However, immunocompetent individuals can also develop this form of illness. Herein, we present 2 cases of lues maligna in immunocompetent patients. The first case is a 38-year-old immunocompetent married female, while the second case is a 34-old married male, both presenting with multiple diffuse noduloulcerative lesions with rupioid crusts. Serological tests for syphilis were positive in both patients and a biopsy of both patients showed forms consistent with secondary syphilis.
Description
Author Biographies
Bishnu Prasad Adhikari
Junior Resident, Department of Dermatology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal.
Binamra Basnet, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Assistant Professor,Department of Dermatology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Bidhan Neupane, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Junior Resident, Department of Dermatology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Ajay Kumar, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Professor, Department of Dermatology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Surendra Sapkota, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Junior Resident, Department of Dermatology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Mandeep Dutta Joshi, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Junior Resident, Department of Dermatology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
Kamala Subedi, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Ramghat, Pokhara, Nepal
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Ramghat, Pokhara, Nepal
Keywords
Fisher's criteria, Human immunodeficiency virus, Malignant syphilis, Rupioid syphilis, Ulceronodular-rupioid syphilis