Anetoderma and borreliosis: is there a pathogenetic relationship?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Anetoderma is a rare skin condition characterized by localized, well-demarcated areas of macular atrophy.
• Borreliosis, a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia species, can manifest with various dermatological symptoms.

Observation:

• Two cases are presented: one with simultaneous anetoderma and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, and another with isolated anetoderma.
• Both patients exhibited positive serology for Borreliosis. Borrelia afzelii was confirmed as the causative agent in the second case via serology and skin PCR.

Findings:

• The findings suggest a causal link between Borrelia afzelii infection and the development of anetoderma.
• The presence of Borrelia afzelii DNA in skin lesions supports its role in the pathogenesis of anetoderma.

Implications:

• Routine serological screening for Borreliosis should be considered in the diagnostic workup of patients presenting with anetoderma.
• This may lead to earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Borrelia-associated skin conditions.