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$Unique_ID{BRK04110}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Pinta}
$Subject{Pinta Mal del Pinto Carate Azul Tina lota Empeines}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1986 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
133:
Pinta
** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of the article (Pinta) is not the name
you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names
and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.
Synonyms
Mal del Pinto
Carate
Azul
Tina
lota
Empeines
General Discussion
** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section.
Pinta is an infectious disease caused by a microorganism closely related
to that which causes venereal syphilis. It is transmitted nonsexually,
however, and is characterized by rashes and discolorations of the skin. It is
common in the hot lowlands of South and Central America, but is rare in the
United States. It responds well to antimicrobial therapy.
Symptoms
The earliest lesions in Pinta are small papules (bumps) which occur at the
site of entry of the pathogenic microorganism. Within several months, these
lesions develop into small, reddish or purplish, scaly areas known as
pintids. They occur most often on the face, hands, and feet. Over the
course of several years, slate blue, coffee colored, red, or violet patches
of skin appear on the face, hands, feet, and bony prominences. These colored
patches may eventually become bleached and white (vitiligoid). The skin on
the soles of the feet and the palms may become somewhat thickened.
The lesions are susceptible to secondary infection by other organisms.
Otherwise, the prognosis is good.
Causes
Pinta is caused by a spirochete (a kind of microorganism) known as treponema
carateum. This organism is closely related and morphologically
indistinguishable from the organisms that cause venereal syphilis, yaws, and
bejel (endemic syphilis). It is transmitted by physical, nonsexual contact.
Affected Population
Pinta affects persons living in the tropical lowlands of South and Central
America, such as Mexico and Colombia.
Related Disorders
The treponematoses (pinta, yaws, bejel (endemic syphilis), and venereal
syphilis) are all caused by identical looking treponemas. They differ,
however, in distribution, mode of transmission, and clinical characteristics.
(Information on these and other tropical diseases can be found in this
database.)
Therapies: Standard
The lesions of Pinta resolve after treatment with antimicrobial drugs such as
benzathine penicillin G.
Therapies: Investigational
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
September 1989. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to
keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and
accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for
the most current information about this disorder.
Resources
For more information on Pinta, please contact:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783
(203) 746-6518
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3211
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5717
References
THE MERCK MANUAL 15th ed: R. Berkow, et al: eds; Merck, Sharp & Dohme
Research Laboratories, 1987. P. 132.
CECIL TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE, 18th ed.: James B. Wyngaarden, and Lloyd H.
Smith, Jr., Eds.: W. B. Saunders Co., 1988. P. 1723.