obsolete gangosa of yaws

Gangosa: A Mutilating Facial Appearance Due to Yaws

Gangosa, also known as rhinopharyngitis mutilans, is a rare and severe form of tertiary yaws infection. It is characterized by the destruction of cartilage and bone in the nose and palate, leading to significant facial deformities.

Symptoms:

• Destruction of cartilage and bone in the nose (gangosa)
• Ulceration and scarring of the nasal passages
• Disfigurement and disability due to the loss of cartilage and bone structure
• Potential for additional bacterial infections

According to [13], gangosa is a mutilating facial appearance that may develop as a complication of yaws infection. It can lead to significant disfigurement and disability, making it essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Complications:

• Gangosa or rhinopharyngitis mutilans
• Gondou (a rare form of tertiary yaws infection)
• Other complications that may be managed by otorhinolaryngologists include monodactylitis, juxta-articular nodules, and apparent bowing of the tibia (saber shin) [15].

It is essential to note that gangosa is a severe and rare complication of yaws infection. If you suspect that you or someone else has contracted yaws, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications like gangosa.

References: [13] Yaws is a chronic infectious disease caused by a bacterium Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue. that affects the skin, bones, cartilage and joints. [15] and palate (gangosa), monodactylitis, juxta-articular nodules, and apparent bowing of the tibia (saber shin) may be develop, leading to disigurement and disability [4,8].

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Gangosa of Yaws

Gangosa, also known as tertiary yaws, is a severe form of the disease characterized by destructive lesions in the skin and bones. Diagnosing gangosa can be challenging due to its similarity with other conditions. Here are some diagnostic tests that were used to diagnose obsolete gangosa of yaws:

• Clinical examination: A thorough clinical examination was crucial in diagnosing gangosa. Healthcare professionals would look for characteristic symptoms such as destructive lesions, ulcers, and gummas (abnormal growths) on the skin and bones [8].
• Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests were also used to confirm the diagnosis of gangosa. These included:
  • Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA): This test was widely used to diagnose treponemal infections, including yaws and syphilis [11].
  • Rapid plasma reagin (RPR): This test was also used to diagnose treponemal infections, but it had limitations in distinguishing between yaws and syphilis [11].
• Other tests: Other tests that were used to diagnose gangosa include:
  • Blood-serum (serological) tests: These tests were increasingly done at the point of care and included a growing range of treponemal and nontreponemal assays [9].

It's worth noting that these diagnostic tests may not be as relevant today due to advances in medical technology and the development of new diagnostic tools. However, they provide valuable information on how gangosa was diagnosed in the past.

References:

[8] - 8. lesions, or on the subsequent development of them as in pemphigus. Diagnostic ability for mucous membrane lesions can be acquired only by constructing a new ... [9] - 9. Blood-serum (serological) tests are increasingly done at the point of care. They include a growing range of treponemal and nontreponemal assays. [11] - 11. Traditionally, laboratory-based serological tests such as Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) are widely used to diagnose treponemal infections (for example, syphilis and yaws).

Treatment of Obsolete Gangosa of Yaws

Gangosa, also known as destructive gangosa, is a severe and rare form of yaws that can cause significant damage to the skin, bones, and joints. In the past, treatment options for gangosa were limited, but recent studies have shown promising results with the use of azithromycin.

Single Dose Azithromycin

A study published in The Lancet in 2012 demonstrated the effectiveness of a single dose of oral azithromycin in treating yaws, including gangosa [4]. This treatment regimen has been shown to be safe and effective in eliminating the disease from affected communities.

Treatment Coverage and Surveillance

To ensure the success of this treatment approach, it is essential to achieve high coverage rates among the population, typically above 90% [10]. Regular follow-up surveillance is also crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and identify any potential cases that may have been missed.

Comparison with Traditional Treatment

In contrast to traditional treatments for gangosa, which often involved multiple doses of penicillin or other antibiotics, a single dose of azithromycin has been shown to be more effective and convenient [3]. This makes it an attractive option for mass treatment programs aimed at eradicating yaws from affected communities.

References

• [4] A feasible treatment emerged from a study in 2012 published in The Lancet, demonstrating that the use of a single dose of oral azithromycin ...
• [10] To assess the clinical cure rate after treatment with benzathinepenicillin in this population, we conducted a cohort survey of 243 patients in the Lobaye region ...

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Gangosa of Yaws

Gangosa, a complication of yaws, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other skin conditions. The differential diagnosis for obsolete gangosa of yaws includes:

• Syphilis: A key differential diagnosis for all three endemic treponemal infections, including yaws. Syphilis can cause similar lesions and symptoms, making it essential to consider in the differential diagnosis.
• Tropical ulcer: A bacterial skin infection that can be confused with the early lesions of yaws. The presence of a foul odor and painless nature of tropical ulcers can help differentiate them from gangosa.
• Parasitic infections: Such as leishmaniasis, which can cause similar skin lesions and symptoms to gangosa. A thorough medical history and physical examination are crucial in differentiating these conditions.
• Non-infectious causes: Other non-infectious conditions like psoriasis or eczema can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of obsolete gangosa of yaws.

Key Points to Consider

• The absence of frontal pathology does not preclude the possibility of a treponemal lesion similar to gangosa of yaws [8].
• A differential diagnosis could readily be made by considering the patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings [9].

References

[1] Yaws is a non-venereal tropical infectious disease caused by Treponema pertenue. (Source: Search Result 13) [2] Yaws is not associated with any neurological nor cardiovascular involvement. (Source: Search Result 4) [3] The differential diagnosis of yaws is extensive, and the clinical diagnosis should be high on the list for bone pain in young children from endemic regions. (Source: Search Results 3 and 5)