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Update on cutaneous manifestations of infectious diseases

Dirk M Elston1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17821, USA. Delston@geisinger.edu

The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Emerging skin pathogens, including bacterial, fungal, and viral types, pose risks to global health due to rapid spread via air travel. Dermatologists must be aware of these infectious agents and their transmission routes.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Emerging infectious diseases frequently manifest in the skin.
  • Global travel facilitates the rapid dissemination of pathogens, as seen with measles, avian flu, and SARS.
  • Individuals can transmit diseases before symptom onset, complicating containment efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens relevant to dermatological practice.
  • To highlight the significance of emerging infectious agents in dermatology.
  • To inform dermatologists about globally spreading skin pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of emerging pathogens affecting the skin.
  • Analysis of disease transmission dynamics, particularly related to air travel.
  • Categorization of pathogens by type: bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens of dermatological interest.
  • Emphasis on the role of international travel in pathogen spread.
  • Recognition of pre-symptomatic transmission as a significant factor.

Conclusions:

  • Dermatologists play a crucial role in identifying and managing emerging skin infections.
  • Awareness of global travel-related infectious disease risks is essential for dermatological practice.
  • Continued surveillance and understanding of novel pathogens are necessary for public health.

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