(ATDN) Red or Purple Spots or Lesions - It may be something else
Treatment Review No. 11; April 1994
Some bacterial infections can cause lesions that resemble KS. Since chemotherapy treatments for KS can be very toxic, it is important that your doctor check for these bacterial infections before beginning treatment for KS. Bacillary angiomatosis is a recently recognized disease caused by Rochalimaea bacteria. This infection can cause blood vessels to grow out of control and form tumor-like masses in skin, bone, liver and other organs. It is a life-threatening, but curable bacterial infection that is often missed because it may be mistaken for other conditions such as KS. Although bacillary angiomatosis is rare in people with intact immune systems, it can be fatal in people with HIV infection. Antibiotic treatment of 4 HIV+ people with bacillary angiomatosis completely cured them of the bacterial infection. All 4 people, who were very sick with the illness, were able to resume normal living. This condition is being seen in more people with HIV.
Two other infections that may cause skin lesions and other unusual skin marks on the body are R. quintana and R. henselae. Skin lesions associated with either of these infections can resemble those of many other disorders and may not be immediately recognized by a doctor. The first is associated with trench fever. This condition was spread by a tiny animal called body louse. Men who served in trenches during World War I often sometimes got this infection. It causes pain and fever. The second condition is associated with cats. It is also known as cat-scratch fever.
940401
ATR01106
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1994. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.