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Evidence for spirochetal origin of circumscribed scleroderma (morphea)
Abstract:
Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) and morphea are clinically distinct skin diseases with some common features and possible coexistence. We found antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in eight of fifteen patients with morphea. Six of them had IgG antibodies and two both IgG and IgM antibodies. Four of the eight seropositive and five of the seven seronegative patients had been treated with high dose penicillin previously. Spirochetal organisms could be cultured in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly's medium from a skin biopsy of one seropositive untreated patient. Spirochetes were recovered from histological sections in three of eight, two seropositive and one seronegative morphea and in one of three erythema chronicum migrans patients by an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method. The similar clinical picture of ACA and morphea, the response to penicillin therapy in both entities, the presence of antispirochetal antibodies, the isolation of spirochetes in culture and the detection of spirochetal organisms on histological sections suggest a close relationship among these diseases. We conclude that morphea may represent a Borrelia infection. The correlation to ACA is discussed.
Insights
Morphea, a skin condition, may be caused by Borrelia burgdorferi infection, similar to Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. Researchers found evidence of Borrelia antibodies and spirochetes in morphea patients, suggesting a link.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) and morphea are distinct skin conditions with overlapping features.
- Previous research suggests a potential connection between these diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in morphea.
- To explore the relationship between morphea, ACA, and Borrelia infection.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies (IgG and IgM) in morphea patients.
- Spirochete culture from skin biopsies.
- Detection of spirochetes in histological sections using an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method.
Main Results:
- Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were detected in 8 out of 15 morphea patients.
- Spirochetal organisms were cultured from one untreated, seropositive patient.
- Spirochetes were identified in histological sections of morphea and erythema chronicum migrans biopsies.
Conclusions:
- Morphea may be a manifestation of Borrelia infection.
- The findings suggest a close relationship between morphea, ACA, and Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Penicillin therapy's effectiveness in both conditions supports an infectious etiology.