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Spirochetes--the possible etiological factor of the cheilitis granulomatosa

H Liu1, L Zheng, H Liu

  • 1Department of Pathology, Tongren Hospital of Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730.

Chinese Medical Sciences Journal = Chung-Kuo I Hsueh K'O Hsueh Tsa Chih
|August 6, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Spirochetes were detected in all cases of cheilitis granulomatosa (CG) and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS). Penicillin treatment effectively reduced swelling, suggesting these conditions may be infectious diseases caused by spirochetes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cheilitis granulomatosa (CG) and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) are rare conditions affecting the face and lips.
  • The etiology of CG and MRS remains largely unknown, with various factors proposed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of spirochetes in CG and MRS.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of penicillin in treating these conditions.
  • To explore the potential link between spirochetal infections and the pathogenesis of CG and MRS.

Main Methods:

  • Histopathological examination using routine HE and Warthin-Starry special staining on tissue samples from 20 CG and 6 MRS cases.
  • Administration of intravenous penicillin (12,000,000 units/day for 14 days) to 9 CG and 2 MRS patients.

Main Results:

  • Spirochetes were identified in all examined cases of CG and MRS.
  • Histopathological findings revealed two types: granuloma and interstitial inflammatory, consistent with spirochetosis.
  • Eleven patients treated with penicillin showed significant abatement of facial and labial swelling.

Conclusions:

  • The consistent detection of spirochetes and the positive response to penicillin suggest a potential infectious etiology for CG and MRS.
  • Spirochetes are implicated as a likely causative agent in cheilitis granulomatosa and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

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