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Morgellons disease: a filamentous borrelial dermatitis
Marianne J Middelveen1, Raphael B Stricker1
1International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, USA.
International Journal of General Medicine
|October 30, 2016
Summary
Morgellons disease (MD) is a skin condition linked to tickborne illness. Research shows filaments are from skin cell growth and spirochetes, primarily Borrelia burgdorferi, are the cause.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Morgellons disease (MD) is a complex dermopathy historically misdiagnosed as delusional disorder.
- Recent research indicates MD is associated with tickborne infections, challenging prior classifications.
- Filaments characteristic of MD are composed of keratin and collagen, arising from epithelial cell proliferation.
Approach:
- Review of histopathological and molecular evidence from MD skin specimens.
- Utilizing culture techniques to identify infectious agents.
- Genetic identification of spirochetal DNA within affected tissues.
Key Points:
- Spirochetal infection is consistently identified in Morgellons disease patients.
- Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is the predominant spirochete identified.
- Other Borrelia species, including B. garinii, B. miyamotoi, and B. hermsii, have also been detected.
Conclusions:
- MD is strongly associated with spirochetal infections, particularly Borrelia burgdorferi.
- The characteristic skin filaments result from host tissue response to infection.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols for MD.
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