Browsing by Author "Mosam, Anisa"

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    Open Access
    Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1- associated infective dermatitis in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    (BioMed Central Ltd, 2013) Hlela, Carol; Graham, Natalie; Bhigjee, Ahmed; Taylor, Graham; Khumalo, Nonhlanhla; Mosam, Anisa
    BACKGROUND: The Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated infective dermatitis (IDH), is a chronic relapsing dermatitis which usually presents in children older than 2years. A total of 300 cases have been reported worldwide (Latin America, the Caribbean and only 5 from Senegal). Neither IDH, nor its complications have been reported from the rest of Africa. We aimed to examine the clinical and aetiological characteristics of IDH in a cohort of South African children. METHODS: Attendees at the dermatology clinic at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban underwent clinical examination. After obtaining consent those suspected of IDH had specimens taken for blood counts, immunoglobulins, serum protein electrophoresis, viral studies (including genotyping), skin swabs and stool examinations. RESULTS: Nineteen of 60 suspected cases recruited over 3years met the diagnostic criteria for IDH. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2; mean age 8years (range 0.7 to 15). Dermatitis mostly affected the scalp (78.9%) and axilla (73.7%); fewer children had nasal crusting (47.4%). Mean Ig A, IgG and IgM were raised, at 3.52g/l, 22.6g/l and 1.38g/l, respectively. The median CD4 cell count was 1958 cells/mm3. Viral genotyping of all tested samples were positive for the Cosmopolitan, Subtype A (HTLV-1a). CONCLUSIONS: IDH is a distinct entity which also affects South Africans. Our patients were older at presentation and the majority did not present with nasal crusting as has been described in other countries.
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    Primary cutaneous malignancies in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa: A retrospective histopathological review
    (2018) York, Katherine; Khumalo, Nonhlanhla P; Dlova, Ncoza; Mosam, Anisa
    Background: Excessive sun exposure and high human immunodeficiency virus prevalence increase skin cancer risk in South Africa. Objective: To describe the nature and extent of skin cancers presenting in public and private health sectors of the Northern Cape Province. Methods: A retrospective analysis of histologically-confirmed new primary cutaneous malignancies from 1/1/2008 to 31/12/2012 was conducted using public and private health sector databases. Types, quantity and distribution of common invasive malignancies by population group, age, gender, anatomical site and health sector were explored. One-year cumulative incidence was calculated and logistic regression models were used to analyse incidence and melanoma thickness trends. Results: 4270 biopsies (14 cutaneous malignancies) were identified. Most common were Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma (CMM) and Basosquamous carcinoma. The odds of a White male developing SCC increased by 8% each year (OR: 1.08; CI: 1.01-1.15; p-value: 0.022) whilst the odds of a Black male developing SCC and KS decreased by 9% (OR: 0.91; CI: 0.84-0.99; p-value: 0.033) and 18% (OR: 0.82; CI: 0.70-0.97; p-value: 0.022) each year, respectively. SCC and CMM were diagnosed at more advanced stages within public versus private sectors. CMM is being detected earlier, as indicated by low stage depth increasing by 72% annually (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.04-3.01; p-value: 0.042). Conclusion: Results suggest that reported skin cancer patterns are changing. There is a need for further research and equitable appropriation of financial resources and effort toward developing primary skin cancer prevention initiatives in South Africa.