Anogenital moniliasis.

Thirty cases of anogenital moniliasis were studied. Only five followed oral use of broad spectrum antibiotics. Although anogenital pruritus commonly follows the use of such drugs, it is rarely proved to be moniliasis, which is clinically diagnosed by symptoms of intertriginous denudation with satellite vesicopustules or the presence of cheesy, grossly detachable plaques. The diagnosis may be confirmed by microscopic observation of delicate hyphae and clusters of spores, or of chlamydospores on corn meal agar. One per cent aqueous gentian violet, 0.1 per cent gentian violet jel, or locally applied mercurials are the most effective forms of treatment, but effort must also be directed against predisposing factors (obesity, hyperhidrosis, oral or local use of broad spectrum antibiotics, diabetes and pregnancy).