Molecular Analysis of the Systemic Dermatoses of Morgellons Disease

Morgellons disease (MD) is a multisystem infectious disease historically viewed as controversial and poorly understood by the medical community.^1,2,3,4,6,8 These contentions involve difficulties in diagnosis, as symptoms of MD have similarities consistent with a psychiatric disorder involving the false beliefs of infestation by parasites, also known as delusional parasitosis or delusional infestation.^1,2,3,6 Currently, the factors determining the etiology and transmission of MD are still unknown and the dispute surrounding Morgellons is substantial.

The aim of this study is to investigate if an infectious etiology of systemic dermatoses is present.

Epithelial tissue samples are collected and deidentified remaining anonymous to researchers.

Molecular biology tools are implemented for the detection of unusual microbial organisms, specifically, Bartonella henselae, Borrelia burgdorferi, Helicobacter pylori, and Treponema denticola.

Previous research endeavors suggest MD is a disorder associated with a tick-borne illness, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a pathogenic spirochete and the causative agent of Lyme disease (LD).^8,15

MD studies are currently focused on spirochetes as the causative agent to understand if a coinfection exists and/or if multifactorial etiology is a cohort.

We hypothesize the presence of multiple pathogenic organisms found in dermatological specimens suggesting infectious pathogens in MD etiology.

Recognition of the potential coexistence of multiple pathogens in MD etiology may stimulate the development of novel approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, allowing multiple diagnostic approaches to be applied simultaneously to detect for the major pathogens in MD.