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Published on: September 1, 2013
Cutaneous fibroses induced by Borrelia burgdorferi
W C Marsch1, A Mayet, M Wolter
1Department of Dermatology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Abstract:
Three cases of chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi are described. The patients presented with nodular or discoid fibrosis, partly in conjunction with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA). Juxta-articular fibrotic nodules may develop within a few months of the onset of ACA. Nodular, discoid morphoea-like, and widespread cutaneous fibroses in chronic Borrelia infection may be provoked by trauma, surgery or electromagnetic radiation. They respond well to antibiotic therapy. These lesions offer an in vivo model for studying the evolution of immunologically induced fibrosis.
Insights
Chronic Borrelia burgdorferi infection can cause skin fibrosis, sometimes with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA). These fibrotic lesions, potentially triggered by trauma, respond well to antibiotics and offer insights into immune-induced fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease.
- Chronic Borrelia infection can manifest with diverse dermatological symptoms.
- Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) is a late manifestation of Lyme disease.
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