Morgellons disease (MD) is a multi-system disorder characterized by multicolor filaments extruding out of the skin along with an array of dermatologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It was previously termed Delusional...Morgellons disease (MD) is a multi-system disorder characterized by multicolor filaments extruding out of the skin along with an array of dermatologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It was previously termed Delusional parasitosis. However, published scientific data found the association of MD symptoms with the systemic manifestations of Lyme disease, caused by <em>Borrelia spirochete</em>. In a retrospective study of 122 MD patients, skin specimens were examined and 96% of them showed <em>Borrelia spirochete</em> in their histology sample. Hence, this association suggests that spirochete infection could be a possible cause of chronic illness in MD patients, and this rejected the physician’s perception that MD lesions might be self-inflicted. A cohort study reported tick-borne co-infections among MD patients, which could also be an etiological factor for dermopathy in MD patients. Some literature also discussed neuropsychiatric manifestations like cognitive impairment, dementia anxiety, depression, paranoia, and sensory hallucinations in Lyme disease and associated tick-borne infection. The objectives of this review are to identify the differences in the past and current perception regarding the pathogenesis of MD and determine the associations of spirochetal and tick-borne diseases with MD and psychiatric illnesses. More than 50 new research articles and case reports were reviewed and only 31 articles were shortlisted and used as references. This review has a detailed discussion on Morgellons disease and its association with Spirochete infection.展开更多
Piscine mycobacteriosis is a fatal fish illness that affects a variety of species globally. It affects over 200 species of freshwater and marine fish. Several species of <em>Mycobacterium</em> are responsi...Piscine mycobacteriosis is a fatal fish illness that affects a variety of species globally. It affects over 200 species of freshwater and marine fish. Several species of <em>Mycobacterium</em> are responsible among them <em>Mycobacterium marinum</em> is the comment. It also affects humans when exposed to contaminated water. In fishes, the symptoms include eroded fins, body surface coated with heavy mucus, changing pigmentation, swelling of abdomen, ulcerative dermal necrosis, and scale loss. In humans, the infection is classified into three clinical groups. Type I is a self-limiting, verruca lesion. Type II is single or numerous subcutaneous granulomas in the presence or absence of ulceration. Type III is deep infections of the tenosynovium, bones, bursa, or joints, resulting in tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis. The diagnosis is made by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining, culture, biochemical reaction, and PCR being the most reliable approach. Piscine mycobacteriosis is treated by antibiotics and vaccination has been considered for its long-term prevention in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Morgellons disease (MD) is a filamentous dermopathy in which lesions with strange filamentous inclusions appear out of nowhere. Furthermore, formication may accompany dermopathy. The identification of <em>Borrelia spirochetes</em> directly in Morgellons disease patient specimen is constant and repeatable when sensitive and precise detection techniques are utilized. It has been diagnosed by microscopy, histology and molecular diagnostic techniques which are highly sensitive and specific. Morgellons disease is still a myth therefore its treatment is evolving, up to date it has been treated symptomatically.展开更多
文摘Morgellons disease (MD) is a multi-system disorder characterized by multicolor filaments extruding out of the skin along with an array of dermatologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It was previously termed Delusional parasitosis. However, published scientific data found the association of MD symptoms with the systemic manifestations of Lyme disease, caused by <em>Borrelia spirochete</em>. In a retrospective study of 122 MD patients, skin specimens were examined and 96% of them showed <em>Borrelia spirochete</em> in their histology sample. Hence, this association suggests that spirochete infection could be a possible cause of chronic illness in MD patients, and this rejected the physician’s perception that MD lesions might be self-inflicted. A cohort study reported tick-borne co-infections among MD patients, which could also be an etiological factor for dermopathy in MD patients. Some literature also discussed neuropsychiatric manifestations like cognitive impairment, dementia anxiety, depression, paranoia, and sensory hallucinations in Lyme disease and associated tick-borne infection. The objectives of this review are to identify the differences in the past and current perception regarding the pathogenesis of MD and determine the associations of spirochetal and tick-borne diseases with MD and psychiatric illnesses. More than 50 new research articles and case reports were reviewed and only 31 articles were shortlisted and used as references. This review has a detailed discussion on Morgellons disease and its association with Spirochete infection.
文摘Piscine mycobacteriosis is a fatal fish illness that affects a variety of species globally. It affects over 200 species of freshwater and marine fish. Several species of <em>Mycobacterium</em> are responsible among them <em>Mycobacterium marinum</em> is the comment. It also affects humans when exposed to contaminated water. In fishes, the symptoms include eroded fins, body surface coated with heavy mucus, changing pigmentation, swelling of abdomen, ulcerative dermal necrosis, and scale loss. In humans, the infection is classified into three clinical groups. Type I is a self-limiting, verruca lesion. Type II is single or numerous subcutaneous granulomas in the presence or absence of ulceration. Type III is deep infections of the tenosynovium, bones, bursa, or joints, resulting in tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis. The diagnosis is made by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining, culture, biochemical reaction, and PCR being the most reliable approach. Piscine mycobacteriosis is treated by antibiotics and vaccination has been considered for its long-term prevention in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Morgellons disease (MD) is a filamentous dermopathy in which lesions with strange filamentous inclusions appear out of nowhere. Furthermore, formication may accompany dermopathy. The identification of <em>Borrelia spirochetes</em> directly in Morgellons disease patient specimen is constant and repeatable when sensitive and precise detection techniques are utilized. It has been diagnosed by microscopy, histology and molecular diagnostic techniques which are highly sensitive and specific. Morgellons disease is still a myth therefore its treatment is evolving, up to date it has been treated symptomatically.