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Background An ulcerative dermopathy caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is described in two alpacas ( Vicugna pacos) domiciled in endemic areas of Victoria, Australia. Results The diagnosis was confirmed in both cases by PCR targeting the M. ulcerans-specific insertion sequence, IS 2404. Extensive wound debridement and bandaging was effective in controlling local disease in one alpaca, although the animal was eventually euthanased because of suspected disease recurrence at other anatomical sites. Treatment was not undertaken in the second animal, but the results of a complete necropsy are described. Investigation of the environs of the second animal yielded low levels of M. ulcerans DNA associated with a variety of samples. The potential use of adjunctive antibiotic therapies directed against M. ulcerans infection in this species is discussed. Conclusion Mycobacterium ulcerans infection should be suspected in alpacas domiciled in endemic areas and presented with ulcerative skin disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localised infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is described in two Kelpies, a Whippet and a Koolie domiciled on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. The diagnosis was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the M. ulcerans-specific insertion sequence (IS 2404) in DNA extracted from swabs of ulcerated lesions in all cases. Where available, molecular typing confirmed that three of the dogs were infected with a strain of M. ulcerans that was indistinguishable from a disease-causing strain in people and other animals in Victoria. One dog was still undergoing treatment at the time of writing, but the remaining three dogs were successfully treated with a combination of surgical debridement and medical therapy in one case, and medical therapy alone in the other two. Investigation of the home environs of three of the dogs using real-time PCR revealed low amounts of M. ulcerans DNA in various environmental samples. Mycobacterium ulcerans infection should be included in the differential diagnoses of any ulcerated skin lesions in dogs that live in or visit endemic areas of Victoria and Queensland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of monoclonal antibodies which recognize antigenic determinants on lymphoid cells has resulted in the immunologic analysis of a wide variety of diseases where disturbance of the immune system is believed to be important in pathogenesis. These reagents may be used to scrutinize cell suspensions, like blood and lymphoid cells in tissues. The diseases to be discussed in this review are lupus erythematosus, leprosy, sarcoidosis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and parapsoriasis. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies used is shown in tabulated form.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviours, sequelae and associated factors in young people attending a youth mental health service., Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional survey of 103 young people aged between 15-25 years carried out across four specialist mental health clinics. A questionnaire on the sexual health of secondary level students was adapted for this study. Mental health symptomatology was assessed through the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)., Results: The mean age was 20.9 (SD ±2.8) years, with 50.5% being female, 41.7% male and 7.7% transgender. A total of 52.4% (N = 54) attended the psychosis [EPPIC] clinic; 15.6% (N = 16) attended the ultra-high risk for psychosis [PACE] clinic; 19.4% (N = 20) attended the personality disorders [HYPE] clinic; and 12.6% (N = 13) attended the mood clinic [YMC]. The mean BPRS score was 47.7 (SD ±12.2). A total of 77.7% of young people had previously been sexually active and of these, 37.5% did not use consistent contraception; 26.3% had been pregnant, of which 95.2% were unplanned. A total of 68.8% reported having been tested for sexually transmitted infections and 25.5% tested positive. The severity of symptoms or clinical characteristics were not associated with engagement in high-risk sexual behaviours., Conclusions: These results indicate that young people with mental health disorders have high needs in regard to their sexual health, which could be addressed by incorporating sexual health referral pathways into early intervention services., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)