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Definition

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. Posthitis is inflammation of the foreskin. The term balanoposthitis may be used when both occur but the term balanitis is commonly used.

Clinical features and investigation

Poor hygiene and a tight prepuce predispose to infectious causes of balanitis by organisms such as С albicans, streptococci, anaerobic bacteria, herpes simplex, N [...]

The organism cannot be cultured. The diagnosis is established by the demonstration of serological markers in blood. The markers are present in varying combinations during the course of the infection. The serological profile typical of each stage of the disease is summarised in table 3.

Surface antigen (HBsAg) is the first marker to appear and is [...]

The incubation period is usually from one to four weeks but can be much longer.

The disease begins as single or multiple subcutaneous nodules usually on the genitalia, which erode through the skin to produce painless ulcers or exuberant granulations. Anorectal lesions may occur in homosexual mea

Secondary infection may contribute to necrotic debris on an ulcer [...]

Neonates bom to mothers with documented gonorrhoea at the time of birth should be treated prophylactically (e.g. with ceftriaxone 125 mg intramuscularly in a single dose). Parents of neonates with gonococcal conjunctivitis must be treated for gonorrhoea.

Patients with gonococcal conjunctivitis should be admitted and treated with systemic antibiotics as for complicated infections. These infections reflect [...]

Endocervical canal

A vaginal speculum should be used to visualise the cervix. The speculum should be moistened with warm water, do not use any other lubricant.

Remove excess cervical mucus, preferably with a cotton ball held in ring forceps.

Insert a sterile cotton-tipped applicator into the cervical canal; rotate swab; allow 10 to 30 seconds for absorption of [...]