History of Morgellons disease: from delusion to definition

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology
Marianne J MiddelveenRaphael B Stricker

Abstract

Morgellons disease (MD) is a skin condition characterized by the presence of multicolored filaments that lie under, are embedded in, or project from skin. Although the condition may have a longer history, disease matching the above description was first reported in the US in 2002. Since that time, the condition that we know as MD has become a polemic topic. Because individuals afflicted with the disease may have crawling or stinging sensations and sometimes believe they have an insect or parasite infestation, most medical practitioners consider MD a purely delusional disorder. Clinical studies supporting the hypothesis that MD is exclusively delusional in origin have considerable methodological flaws and often neglect the fact that mental disorders can result from underlying somatic illness. In contrast, rigorous experimental investigations show that this skin affliction results from a physiological response to the presence of an infectious agent. Recent studies from that point of view show an association between MD and spirochetal infection in humans, cattle, and dogs. These investigations have determined that the cutaneous filaments are not implanted textile fibers, but are composed of the cellular proteins keratin and collag...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 6, 2018·Folia Microbiologica·Bhagwan Rekadwad, Juan M Gonzalez
Oct 11, 2019·Healthcare·Robert C Bransfield, Kenneth J Friedman
Apr 18, 2018·Healthcare·Marianne J MiddelveenRaphael B Stricker
May 15, 2021·Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology·Marianne J MiddelveenRaphael B Stricker

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
scanning electron microscopy
PCR
transmission electron microscopy

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