Classification and Staging of Morgellons Disease: Lessons from Syphilis

Abstract

Introduction

Morgellons disease (MD) is a contested dermopathy that is associated with Borrelia spirochetal infection. A simple classification system was previously established to help validate the disease based on clinical features (classes I-IV).

Methods

Drawing on historical and pathological parallels with syphilis, we formulated a more detailed staging system based on clinical features as well as severity of skin lesions and corresponding histopathological infection patterns, as determined by anti-Borrelia immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Clinical classes I-IV of MD are further categorized as mild, moderate and severe, or stages A, B and C, respectively, based on histopathological findings. Stage A lesions demonstrated little or no immune infiltrates and little or no disorganization of cells; macrophages were not present, and hemorrhage was negligible. Extracellular isolated spirochetes and intracellular staining of keratinocytes in the lower epidermis was occasionally seen. Stage C lesions demonstrated positive staining of keratinocytes in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum and positive intracellular staining of macrophages for Borrelia. Aggregate Borrelia colonies were frequently encountered, hemorrhage was frequent, and intracellularly stained fibroblasts were occasionally seen. Stage B lesions demonstrated a pattern intermediate between Stages A and C.

Conclusion

The enhanced staging system provides objective criteria to assess the severity of dermopathy in MD. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment for MD based on this staging system related to Borrelia infection.

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Introduction

Morgellons disease (MD) is a dermatological condition in which lesions that contain unusual filamentous inclusions and/or projections spontaneously arise.^1–5 The filaments are distinctive in part due to their varied white, red, blue, green or black coloration, and because visually they resemble microscopic textile fibers.^6–9 In addition, the dermopathy may be accompanied by formication (sensation of something crawling on skin). Coupled with the mistaken belief that the fibers are derived from textiles, healthcare professionals frequently and erroneously diagnose the condition as a form of delusional infestation (DI) or the legacy terms delusional parasitosis (DP) and delusions of parasitosis (DOP).^6,7,10

In addition to filamentous dermopathy, patients frequently experience Lyme-like symptoms such as musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular manifestations suggestive of spirochetal etiology.^1–5,8 Cohort studies indicate that most patients with MD test positively for Borrelia infection and/or have a clinical Lyme disease (LD) diagnosis.^4,11–13 Two separate cohort studies have demonstrated that MD afflicts approximately 6% of LD patients.^11,14 Thus it has been suggested that MD is a physiological response to spirochetal infection in genetically predisposed patients, and there is an abundance of experimental data to support the hypothesis.^8,9

Borrelia infection is caused by members of the Borrelia genus encompassing the LD group, also known as Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) sensu lato (Bbsl), and the Relapsing Fever Borrelia (RFB) complex, the causative agents of LD and relapsing fever (RF), respectively. Bbsl and RFB have been repeatedly and consistently detected in tissue and fluid specimens taken from MD subjects.^8,9,12,13,15 Furthermore, using sensitive molecular methodologies, Bb and RFB have been directly detected and cultured from skin lesions demonstrating MD pathology,^{8,9,12,13,15–18} thus satisfying many of the criteria outlined in Fredricks and Relman’s molecular guidelines for establishing disease causation.¹⁹ Borrelia spirochetes have been detected in MD tissue and body fluid specimens, both directly in dermatological specimens and in cultures from 25 North American MD patients using a combination of microscopic, histopathological and molecular methods. Most of the Borrelia species detected were genetically identified as Bb sensu stricto (Bbss), but B. garinii and B. miyamotoi were also confirmed.¹²

In a separate study, 90% of a cohort of 30 MD patients tested positively for exposure to and/or infection with Borrelia spirochetes using serological and molecular techniques. Of these, 53% of the cohort tested positive for Bb, RFB or both using PCR amplification and confirmatory sequencing.¹³ To date, to the best of our knowledge, five independent laboratories have confirmed the presence of Borrelia DNA in MD skin specimens using PCR technology and confirmatory DNA sequencing, and seven independent laboratories have detected Borrelia DNA by direct testing or in cultures of blood, genital secretions and skin specimens taken from MD patients.^8,9,13,20 If sensitive and specific detection methods are used, the detection of Borrelia spirochetes directly in MD patient specimens is consistent and reproducible, thus providing evidence suggestive of causality.

In addition to members of the genus Borrelia, other members of the Spirochaetaceae family might be able to induce MD. Various members of the genus Treponema cause a comparable condition, bovine digital dermatitis, in cattle.⁵ T. denticola has been detected in some MD skin specimens, although not independently of Bbsl.⁵ Because Treponema is known to cause a comparable condition in an animal model, and because treponemes are spirochetes like Borrelia spp., it is possible that T. denticola or other pathogenic treponemes could be key etiologic factors in the evolution of MD in some patients. In support of that hypothesis, there is historical evidence linking MD-like cases to treponemal infection, as discussed below.

DI is defined as the fixed, false belief of being infested with parasites or other infectious agents. In 1938, the Swedish physician Ekbom published a series of case studies describing patients with formication coupled with the false belief of insect infestation,²¹ and consequently cases of DI are often referred to as “Ekbom’s syndrome”.^6,7 Ekbom reported that patients in his study presented collections of hairs, skin and sand-like particles that are comparable to what we see in MD self-collected specimens.²¹ MD is frequently associated with formication, and some MD patients mistakenly believe that they have a parasitic infection or infestation. Consequently, MD has been misrepresented as a form of Ekbom’s syndrome.^8,9 Interestingly, three out of seven of Ekbom’s subjects had syphilis, and three years before Ekbom’s studies were published, the French physician Vié reported that 6/8 of his DI cohort had documented cases of syphilis.^21,22 Although we have not detected T. pallidum in any MD subjects to date, given that there is a historical association with T. pallidum infection in comparable cases, it is reasonable to hypothesize that T. pallidum could be an etiologic factor in a subset of MD patients.

Although spirochetal infection appears to be the key etiologic factor in MD evolution, MD patients have a high incidence of other co-infecting tickborne diseases, with Babesia infection being most frequently reported.^4,11 Other pathogens have been detected directly in MD dermatological specimens, although less frequently and less consistently than Borrelia spp. These pathogens include the co-infecting tickborne pathogens Bartonella henselae and Rickettsia spp., and the common human pathogens Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and T. denticola.^{8,13,15,23–25} Mixed Bb and Hp aggregate structures consistent with biofilms that contain alginate and amyloid protein structures have been identified in MD skin specimens.¹⁵ Confocal microscopy of mixed aggregates revealed that Bb occupied the central portion of aggregates while Hp occupied the periphery, suggesting that they could have different functional roles, but also suggesting that Bb infection was established first followed by Hp infection.¹⁵ In either case, the results suggest that mixed Borrelia biofilms may play a role in MD development and contribute towards Borrelia persistence and disease chronicity. Although the role of other pathogens and mixed infections in MD skin remains to be determined, it is possible that other microorganisms play a part in MD development and could be co-involved etiological factors in individual patients.

Histochemical studies demonstrate that the cutaneous filaments in MD are not self-implanted synthetic man-made textile fibers, but are hair-like human biofilaments composed of the structural proteins keratin and collagen, the products of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, respectively.^5,8,9,17,26 The cellular base of attachment at the stratum basale is nucleated and continuous with surrounding skin cells, consistent with human cellular origin.^5,8,9,17,26 Furthermore, the characteristic blue color seen in some fibers results from melanin pigmentation, and blue filaments contain melanocytes and melanin granulation, providing irrefutable evidence that these are not synthetic manufactured fibers.^5,8,9,17 Thus, the skin fibers seen in MD patients are biofilaments that appear to be aberrantly produced in response to spirochetal infection.

The classification of diseases provides a foundation for identifying causation of morbidity and mortality, thus allowing actions to be taken to save lives and lessen suffering.²⁷ Classification of diseases is epidemiologically fundamental as it provides a common language, allowing data regarding health-related concerns to be compiled and shared between medical professionals.²⁷ The following clinical classification system for MD, based on duration and location of MD lesions, was previously proposed:^8,9,12

1. Early localized: lesions/fibers present for less than three (3) months and localized to one area of the body (head, trunk, extremities).

2. Early disseminated: lesions/fibers present for less than three (3) months and involving more than one area of the body (head, trunk, extremities).

3. Late localized: lesions/fibers present for more than six (6) months and localized to one area of the body (head, trunk, extremities).

4. Late disseminated: lesions/fibers present for more than six (6) months and involving more than one area of the body (head, trunk, extremities).

The purpose of the above classification scheme was to provide a clinical framework to validate and standardize the diagnosis of MD. The present study applies the above classification scheme in conjunction with an additional staging system based on the severity of lesions along with corresponding histological evidence of infection. Disease staging is a classification system using objective medical criteria to evaluate disease severity and assess disease progression.²⁸ Because Borrelia spp. are the key pathogens encountered in MD tissue, we focused our staging system on the infection patterns revealed by anti-Borrelia immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Together, classification and staging provide corroborative data to validate this neglected dermopathy. In addition, staging will provide a framework to help healthcare professionals assess disease evolution and customize treatments based on the stage of infection.

Materials and Methods

Cohort Selection

Patients from across North America were selected for study, providing they met the case definition for MD as determined by a health care practitioner, and that they had lesions suitable for histological sectioning. The case definition used in this study required the presence of spontaneously-developing cutaneous lesions with embedded or projecting red, white, blue, green or black filaments. Prior testing for Borrelia infection was not required. The MD patients were then classified for duration and location of MD lesions, as previously proposed.^8,9,12

The study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent for participation was obtained from all subjects, both MD patients and control subjects, in accordance with the specimen collection protocol approved by the Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB), Puyallup, WA. Consent to publish results was obtained from all subjects. The University of New Haven IRB Committee also approved the study as exempt under 45 CFR 46.101(b)(4). The identification, health status and demographic information of study subjects were not provided to research laboratories. All human samples were submitted to participating laboratories and processed in a blinded manner.

Histology

Dermatological specimens were submitted to McClain Laboratories LLC, Smithtown, NY. Skin specimens were taken from lesions showing MD pathology. The MD skin specimens collected for histological study mainly consisted of thickened callus material removed from lesions exhibiting embedded or projecting filaments. Normal commercially available human skin (BioChain Institute, Newark, CA) was included as a negative control. The MD skin specimens along with normal healthy skin were sent for histological processing in a blinded manner.

For further comparison, additional controls were as follows: Liver from a mouse experimentally infected with Bb, used for positive comparison as previously described.^12,29 Negative controls included: a culture pellet of mixed Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp.) combined with gelatin; a culture pellet of mixed Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.) combined with gelatin; a biopsy from a psoriasis case; and a biopsy from skin with fungal infection. All specimens including experimental specimens and controls were formalin-fixed, blocked and sectioned, then IHC-stained to detect Borrelia using an unconjugated rabbit anti-Bb polyclonal antibody,³⁰ incubated with an alkaline phosphatase probe (Biocare Medical #UP536L) followed by a chromogen substrate (Biocare Medical #FR805CHC), and counterstained with hematoxylin. Titration was conducted to define optimal antibody dilutions. Borrelia fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed as previously described.^12,29 Samples were visualized using a Nikon Eclipse E200 microscope, and images were taken with a Nikon DS-L3 camera.

Serology: IGeneX Laboratory

Western blot (WB) assays were performed as described previously to detect IgM and IgG antibodies reactive to Bb and RFB.^13,31,32

PCR: University of New Haven

All skin specimens including skin from MD specimens and normal skin from healthy controls were submitted for PCR testing in a blinded manner. All PCR assays were performed in triplicate. Borrelia DNA was extracted as previously described, and Borrelia gene targets were detected by either real-time PCR using a published TaqMan assay targeted to a 139-bp fragment of the Borrelia 16S rRNA gene, or by nested PCR targeting the following genes: 16S rRNA, flagellin (Fla), OspC, uvrA and pyrG genes.^{12,20,29,33–35} PCR amplification was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and compared by BLAST analysis using the GenBank database (National Center for Biotechnology Information), as described previously.^12,20,29

PCR: Australian Biologics

DNA was extracted from culture pellets using the DNeasy Blood and Tissue^® kit (Qiagen) as previously described.^{12,14,16,20,36} Specimens were tested for the presence of Borrelia DNA and Treponema denticola/Treponema pallidum DNA targets. Blinded samples were run in duplicate with positive and negative controls using real-time PCR targeting the Borrelia 16S rRNA and endpoint PCR targeting the rpoC gene, as previously described.^{12,14,16,20,36} Sanger sequencing followed by BLAST analysis was used for gene analysis, as described previously.^{12,14,16,20,36}

PCR: IGeneX

Multiplex PCR was performed for the detection of Bb and RFB in clinical samples as described previously.¹³ Sanger sequencing was performed on all positive Bb and RFB amplicons, confirming Borrelia derivation.

Results

Cohort

Sixteen subjects were selected who met the case description for MD as determined by a healthcare professional and who had suitable dermatological specimens for study. PCR and serological evidence of exposure to or infection with Borrelia and other co-involved pathogens is summarized in Table 1. All patients in our study had evidence of infection and/or exposure to Borrelia. Eight patients had serologic evidence of infection and/or exposure to Bb, and two patients had serologic evidence of infection and/or exposure to RFB. Twelve patients had detectable Bbsl DNA and six patients had detectable RFB DNA in clinical specimens. Nine patients had evidence of infection and/or exposure to co-involved pathogens as follows: Hp (9), Bartonella henselae (5), Babesia spp. (2), T. denticola (2), Ehrlichia chaffeensis (1), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1), Chlamydia pneumonia (1), Toxoplasma spp. (1), and Mycoplasma spp. (1). Of the subjects in our study, 14/16 were tested by PCR technology for the presence of T. denticola and T. pallidum DNA. All were negative for T. pallidum, and 2/14 were positive for T. denticola DNA, but T. denticola was not found independently of Borrelia DNA.

Table 1.

Summary of Patient Data

Patient	Serological Evidence of Bb/RFB	Molecular Evidence of Bb/RFB	Serological Evidence of Co-Infections	Molecular Evidence of Co-Infections
M-1)	+ Bb IGX IND RFB IGX	PCR: + RFB skin IGX (S) + Bb spp. skin UNH (S) + Bb skin AB	+ B. microti IGX + B. henselae IGX	PCR: + B. henselae skin IGX + Hp skin UNH
M-2)	Negative	PCR: + Bb serum IGX + Bb skin UNH (S) + Bb skin AB	+ E. chaffeensis, + A. phagocytophilum IGX	PCR: + Hp skin UNH + B. henselae skin IGX FISH: + B. henselae IGX
M-3)	+ Bb IGX	PCR: + Bb skin UNH (S) + Bb blood culture UNH + Bb skin AB	Not tested	Not tested
M-4)	+ Bb IGX	PCR: + RFB PCR IGX (S) + Bb skin UNH	Negative	PCR: + Hp skin UNH + B. henselae skin IGX
M-8)	Negative	PCR: + Bb skin (S) UNH + Bb blood culture UNH	Not tested	Not tested
M-10)	+ Bb IGX + RFB IGX	PCR: + Bb skin (S) UNH + Bb skin AB + Bb GI specimen AB + RFB serum (S) IGX	+ Hp + Mycoplasma spp. + Toxoplasma gondii + Chlamydia pneumoniae Lab unknown	PCR: + Hp UNH + T. denticola skin AB
M-11)	Not tested	PCR: IND Bb skin UNH + RFB skin (S) IGX	Not tested	PCR: + B. henselae IGX PCR: +Hp skin UNH FISH: + B. henselae IGX
M-12)	+ Bb IGX	FISH: + Bbsl spp	Negative	Not tested
M-13)	+ Bb IGX	PCR: + Bb skin UNH + Bb blood culture UNH + Bb blood culture AB	+ Babesia spp. IGX	PCR: + Hp skin UNH
M-15)	Not tested	PCR: + Bb skin AB	Not tested	Not tested
M-16)	Not tested	PCR: + Bb skin (S) AB	Not tested	PCR: + Hp skin UNH
M-18)	Not tested	PCR: + Bb skin (S) IGX + Bb skin (S) UNH	+ B. henselae Dynacare, Canada	PCR: + Hp skin UNH +T. denticola skin AB
M-19)	CDC + Bb 2-tiered, Mayo Clinic	FISH: + Bbsl spp.	Not tested	PCR: + Hp skin UNH
M-23)	+ RFB IGX	Negative	Not tested	Not tested
M-25)	+ Bb Spectracell laboratories	PCR: IND Bb skin AB + RFB blood/serum IGX	Not tested	Not tested
M-29)	Not tested	PCR: + Bb skin UNH + Bb skin AB	Not tested	Not tested

Abbreviations: S, sequenced; IND, indeterminate; RFB, Relapsing Fever Borrelia; Bb, Borrelia burgdorferi; Hp, Helicobacter pylori; UNH, University of New Haven; AB, Australian Biologics; IGX, IGeneX; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; FISH, fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Histology

The degree of severity of the clinical presentation corresponded with the degree of severity of the histological patterns. A few sections had visible positively stained individual spirochetes and/or cysts (Figure 1). However, most Borrelia infection was associated with basal keratinocytes or was present in aggregate colonies, and to a lesser extent among keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum. In general, all lesions, regardless of the degree of severity, had visible intracellular and intercellular Bb infection of keratinocytes (Figure 2A and B). As the degree of severity progressed, the degree of cell disarrangement, hemorrhage, presence of macrophages stained with anti-Bb immunostains, presence of fibrin, vacuoles or necrosis, and presence of Borrelia aggregate colonies became increasingly apparent (Figure 2–6). The histological observations and classifications of individual subjects and corresponding data are summarized in Tables 2 and 3. Localized lesions tended to be less severe (Stages A or B), while disseminated lesions tended to be more severe (Stages B or C). Disseminated lesions that were less severe were associated with partial treatment with antibiotics. Staging sorted by classification is summarized in Table 4.

Figure 3.

Intracellular staining of macrophages detected with anti-Bb immunostain. 1000× magnification.

Figure 4.

Vacuoles in epidermis reactive with anti-Bb immunostain. 1000× magnification.

Figure 5.

Borrelia aggregate colonies in MD skin samples. (A) Borrelia aggregate colonies showing spirochetes with helical morphology detected with anti-Bb immunostain. 1000× magnification. (B) Mixed Bb aggregate colonies showing positively staining Borrelia detected with anti-Bb immunostain and negatively staining bacteria. 400× magnification.

Figure 1.

Individual spirochete among keratinocytes, stratum basale, detected with anti-Bb immunostain. 1000× magnification.

Figure 2.

(A) Staging based on keratinocyte histology. 200× magnification. Upper left: Control skin and hair follicle stained with anti-Bb immunostain. Upper right: Stage A, Limited intracellular staining of basal keratinocytes, detected with anti-Bb immunostain. Lower left: Stage B, More extensive intracellular staining of basal keratinocytes with fiber, detected with anti-Bb immunostain. Lower right: Stage C: Intracellular staining of basal keratinocytes with macrophages and clumps of cells, detected with anti-Bb immunostain. (B) Stage C: Higher power view of intracellular staining of basal keratinocytes in disarranged cell layers, detected with anti-Bb immunostain. 1000× magnification.

Figure 6.

Aggregate Bb colonies detected with anti-Bb immunostain interspersed with unusual brown and blue melanin deposits. 1000× magnification.

Table 2.

Summary of Clinical Classification, Histological Pattern and Severity, and Subsequent Stage Assignment

Patient	Clinical Classification	Lesions Characteristics and Severity	Histological Pattern and Severity	Histological Stage
M-1)	III - Late localized	Pinpoint vesicles, small calluses on fingers. Hyaline filaments.	Mild. Epithelium not disorganized, Bb staining primarily in keratinocytes of stratum basale. Intracellular Bb staining of superficial vacuolated cells. No hemorrhage, little to no infiltrate, Some staining present on a filament section.	A
M-2)	IV - Late disseminated	Corporeal lesions, began primarily on jawline and scalp, clearing then breaking out on first on legs, arms, followed by the back and buttocks, jagged ulcerations, crusty calluses. Red, blue and hyaline filaments, embedded in calluses and projecting from exposed dermis where calluses have peeled off.	Severe. Many Borrelia aggregate colonies (some large) scattered through the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. Intracellular staining of keratinocytes, some are vacuolated and necrotic. Individual helical spirochetes are visible in the aggregate structures. Basal layer is disarranged and not distinctive and epithelium is disorganized. Limited inflammatory infiltrate, composed primarily of macrophages indicating chronicity, with Bb intracellular immunostaining. Some macrophages demonstrate necrosis/vacuolization. Some fibrin deposition in the dermis. Strongly positive Bb staining of larger filaments, originating in the basal layer. Positively Bb stained fiber sections. Hemorrhage present. Blue and black melanin granules present.	C
M-3)	I - Early localized	Isolated thick calluses on outer thigh following injury to area. Embedded blue filaments throughout calluses.	Moderate. Staining is primarily located in basal cell layer. Positive intercellular and intracellular immunostaining of basal keratinocytes. Some Bb immunostaining of spindle-shaped fibroblasts in dermis. Some Bb intracellular staining of macrophages, both in dermis and occasionally in epidermis. Small amount of hemorrhage. Strongly Bb positive staining around thick fibers (~10 μm in diameter) with origin in basal cell layer, growing down towards dermis. Some isolated Bb positively Bb staining cysts.	B
M-4)	IV - Late disseminated	Irritation and itching of skin, primarily on abdomen, and face, lichenoid with some scaling and sloughing of skin. Visible hyaline filaments protruding from skin.	Mild. Bb staining of keratinocytes in stratum basale, some in stratum spinosum. No hemorrhage, no infiltrate. Some gelatinous secretion at the site of an abrasion, is strongly positive Bb immunostained with visible spirochetes. Strongly Bb stained basal layer, predominantly intracellular Bb staining of keratinocytes, some vacuolated, showing necrosis. Some macrophages present that are intracellularly Bb stained. Larger fiber section within the basal layer is surrounded by Bb staining.	A-B
M-8)	IV - Late disseminated	Scattered papules calluses. Visible hyaline filaments embedded in calluses.	Moderate. Basal layer is strongly Bb stained and is severely disarranged and disrupted, with intracellular Bb staining of keratinocytes as well as many vacuolated necrotic keratinocytes. No hemorrhage. Little infiltrate, mostly macrophages in upper dermis, with intracellular Bb staining in macrophages, some macrophages are vacuolated and necrotic. Borrelia aggregates not present. Intracellular Bb staining of keratinocytes. Strongly Bb stained larger fibers (~10–20 μm in diameter) of basal cell origin, growing towards the dermis.	B
M-10)	IV - Late disseminated	Vesicular lesions, and thickened calluses corporeal. Embedded blue filaments in calluses.	Moderate. Vacuolated, necrotic positive Bb stained keratinocytes and fibrin present in basal layer. Vacuoles are associated with strongly Bb positive staining. Many Borrelia aggregate colonies and individual spirochetes are present among basal keratinocytes. Some hemorrhage, mostly positive Bb intracellular staining of macrophages. Strongly-positive Bb staining is present at the base of large filament (5–10 μm in diameter) that originates from stratum basale. Many small, unstained blue fiber sections (approx. 1 μm in diameter) embedded along the basal keratinocytes. Some unusual melanin granules and deposits, some with the same blueish hue are scattered among blue fiber sections and keratinocytes.	B
M-11)	IV - Late disseminated	Corporeal lesions, jagged ulcerations, crusty calluses. Hyaline filaments in calluses.	Severe. Bb staining is predominantly in the basal cell layer, demonstrating intracellular staining of keratinocytes. Some necrosis among positively-stained keratinocytes. In dermis, there is not a lot of inflammatory infiltrate, but there are macrophages that are positively-stained intracellularly. Macrophages show various stages of invasion, and some are vacuolated and necrotic. Some positive intracellular Bb staining of spindle-shaped fibroblasts. Basal layer is are disarranged. Strongly positive Bb staining of larger filaments (5–10 μm in diameter) that originate from stratum basale and are nucleated at base of origin. Smaller, unstained micro fibers (approx. 1 μm in diameter) are scattered in the stratum spinosum and appear to have originated from the cup-shaped base of a larger fiber with origin in the stratum basale. Hemorrhage visible.	C
M-12)	I - Early localized	Minor inflammation, itching and folliculitis, primarily dorsal aspect of arms, some calluses and ulcerations. Filaments visible in calluses.	Mild. Bb Staining primarily intracellular within keratinocytes of stratum basale and stratum spinosum. Small Borrelia aggregates and fibrin in stratum spinosum. No hemorrhage, little to no infiltrate, epithelium not disorganized.	A
M-13)	IV - Late disseminated	Deep, erosive ulcerations primarily on face, with secondary Staphylococcus aureus infection. Mucosal ulcerations. Hyaline filaments present in dermatological specimens. Gastrointestinal ulcerations and adhesions reported requiring hospitalization.	Moderate. Bb staining is concentrated in the basal layer, with intracellular staining of keratinocytes. Borrelia aggregate colonies are within the dermis. Basal layer is necrotic and vacuolated. Strongly positive Bb staining is present on filaments, particularly at the base of attachment to basal layer. Keratinocytes are visible in the base of the fiber and demonstrate intracellular Bb staining.	B–C
M-15)	III - Late localized	Inflammation and small vesicles and papules on arms and torso.	Mild. Positive Bb staining present in the stratum basale, with intracellular Bb staining of basal keratinocytes. Small to medium positively stained aggregates are present among necrotic keratinocytes. Individual positive Bb stained extracellular spirochetes are present adjacent to the basal layer. Individual positive Bb stained helical spirochetes are visible in aggregates. Small amount of hemorrhage present. Melanin deposits visible alongside strongly Bb stained aggregates.	A–B
M-16)	I - Early localized	Thickened calluses primarily on legs	Mild. Weakly positive Bb stained keratinocytes in the stratum basale, as well as some fibrin deposition. Basal cells are slightly disarranged. Positive Bb staining is visible surrounding a blue filament that is detached from the skin section.	A
M-18)	III - Late localized	Lesions on dorsal aspect of arms, thickened callus.	Mild. Positive intracellular Bb staining of basal keratinocytes. Positive Bb staining of filaments associated with the basal layer. Epidermal layers are well-defined with no disarrangement and keratinocytes are not vacuolated.	A
M-19)	IV - Late disseminated, resolving to III - Late localized after treatment	Samples submitted after treatment. Ulcerative, corporeal, from head to feet. After treatment resolving localized on scalp only. After resolution, irritation of skin, some sloughing of skin, sensations of formication.	Mild. Positively Bb stained stratum basale, mostly intracellular staining of keratinocytes, a few positive, intracellularly stained fibroblasts in dermis. No hemorrhage. Little to no infiltrate.	A
M-23)	IV - Late disseminated	Corporeal, mostly jawline, legs, arms, initially vesicular, but later evolving to ulcerative, and occasional indurated papules.	Mild. Many small Bb aggregates. Positive Bb staining in and among basal keratinocytes and keratinocytes in stratum basale. No visible hemorrhage.	A–B
M- 25)	IV - Late disseminated	Corporeal, ulcerative lesions mostly along jawline, legs, arms, but later spreading to the back of torso.	Moderate. Intracellularly Bb stained keratinocytes in the stratum basale. Many Bb aggregates, including aggregates among filaments are distributed in the stratum spinosum. Some positive Bb staining of keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum. Some long positively Bb stained spirochetal forms and or cysts. Strongly Bb stained filaments, originating at the stratum basale, growing into the dermis. The base of fibers contain intracellularly Bb stained keratinocytes. No visible hemorrhage.	B–C
M-29)	III - Late localized	Small lesions and calluses on hands, feet and lower legs. Small patch of lesions on shoulder where sunburn occurred.	Mild. Borrelia aggregates scattered in stratum basale, some large. Some aggregates contain patches of negatively staining bacteria. Cells are disarranged and disturbed in basal layer, with visible necrosis associated with positive Bb staining. Aggregate colonies are associated with necrotic pockets. Positively Bb stained fibers originating in stratum basale. Mass of microfibers surrounding an aggregate. No visible hemorrhage. Large fiber is associated with Borrelia aggregate.	A–B

Table 3.

Summary of Stage and Corresponding Histological Findings of Bb Immunostaining

Subject ID	Isolated Extracellular Spirochetes and/or Cysts	Aggregates	Filaments	Disarrangement	Intracellular Staining of Keratinocytes	Intracellular Staining of Macrophage	Intracellular Staining of Fibroblasts	Hemorrhage	Necrosis/Vacuoles	Melanin	Fibrin	Stage Lesion and Histology
M-1)	Negative	Negative	Hyaline, some positive on section	Negative	Positive	Negative	Negative	Negative	Positive keratinocytes	Negative	Negative	A
M-2)	Positive, helices present in aggregates	Positive, small to large	Filaments, strongly stained at base of attachment	Positive	Positive	Positive	Negative	Positive	Positive keratinocytes	Positive	Negative	C
M-3)	Isolated cysts	None	Positive, strongly at base of attachment.	Negative	Positive	Positive, epidermis and dermis	Positive	Small amount	Negative	Negative	Negative	B–C
M-4)	Spirochetes and cysts	Negative	Positive particularly at base of attachment	Negative	Positive	Positive (a few)	Negative	Negative	Positive keratinocytes	None	Negative	A–B
M-8)	Negative	Negative	Strongly stained, basal origin	Positive, severe	Positive	Positive dermis	Negative	Negative	Positive macrophages	None	Negative	B
M-10)	None visible	Many aggregates small to large	Large fiber + stained at base. Blue fiber sections	Negative	Strongly positive	Positive, epidermis and dermis	Negative	Positive	Positive keratinocytes	Positive blue and black	Positive	B
M-11)	Negative	Negative	Strongly stained, basal origin	Positive	Strongly positive	Strongly positive	Positive	Positive	Positive keratinocytes and macrophages	None	Negative	C
M-12)	Negative	Positive small	None seen in section	Negative	Positive	Negative	Negative	None	Negative	Negative	Positive	A
M-13)	Isolated spirochetes and cysts visible,	Positive helical spirochetes visible in aggregates	Strongly positive particularly at the base of attachment	Negative	Strongly positive,	Negative	Negative	Negative	Positive keratinocytes	Positive	Negative	B–C
M-15)	Positive extracellular near basal layer	Positive helical spirochetes visible in aggregates	None seen in section	Negative	Positive	Negative	Negative	Small amount present	Positive keratinocytes	Positive	Negative	A–B
M-16)	Negative	Negative	Positive staining surrounding blue filament	Positive, slight	Positive, weak	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Positive	A
M-18)	Negative	Negative	Positive, basal origin	Negative	Positive	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	A
M-19)	Negative	Negative	None seen in section	Negative	Positive	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	A
M-23)	Negative	Positive, many small	None seen in section	Negative	Positive	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	A–B
M- 25)	Positive, spirochetes and cysts present	Positive, many	Strongly-positive particularly at the base of attachment	Negative	Positive	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative	B–C
M-29)	None visible	Positive, small to large	Large fiber associated with aggregate	Positive	Positive	Negative	Negative	Negative	Positive, associated with aggregates	Negative	Negative	A–B

Table 4.

Clinical Classification and Histological Staging of MD Cohort (n=16 Patients)

Clinical Classification	Stage A	Stage A–B	Stage B	Stage B–C	Stage C
I Early Localized	2		1
II Late Localized	3	2
III Early Disseminated
IV Late Disseminated		2	2	2	2

The results of histological controls were as follows: anti-Bb immunostaining showed positive reactivity in the experimentally Bb-infected mouse liver positive controls, and failed to show reactivity in all negative controls, including mixed Gram-positive bacteria, mixed Gram-negative bacteria, sections of normal human skin, biopsy sections of human skin with fungal infection, and biopsy sections of human skin with psoriasis.

Discussion

Case Definitions of MD

Various working case definitions have been previously proposed for MD, including the following:

A somatic LD-like illness associated with spontaneously appearing, slowly healing, filamentous, ulcerative skin lesions, with the key diagnostic criterion being colored, white, or black filaments protruding from or embedded in skin.^8,9

Case definitions are important in medicine because they provide criteria used to determine whether an individual has a disease, condition or health event of interest.³⁷ In recognition that the development of MD may involve mixed infection, we would like to refine and further develop the working case definition for MD as follows:

Morgellons disease is a dermatological condition characterized by multicolored filaments embedded within or projecting from skin. It is predominantly associated with spirochetal infection caused by members of the genus Borrelia, as well as infection with other tick-borne and non-tick-borne pathogens including Helicobacter pylori and Treponema denticola.

Infection Associated with MD

Our objective in this study was to correlate histological observations with lesion severity in order to create a staging system to track the evolution of MD lesions. We relied on IHC and/or PCR to identify Borrelia infection. Using anti-Bb IHC, we observed distinctive patterns of spirochetal infection that correlated with the severity of the lesions (Figure 1–7). Positive staining occurred in association with keratinocytes of the lower epidermis for all levels of severity. Mild lesions demonstrated little or no immune infiltrates and little or no disorganization of cells; macrophages were not present, and hemorrhage was negligible. Anti-Bb IHC revealed occasional extracellular individual isolated spirochete and cystic forms as well as intracellular staining of keratinocytes in the lower epidermis. Severe lesions demonstrated positive staining of keratinocytes in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum and positive intracellular staining of macrophages. Aggregate Borrelia colonies were frequently encountered, hemorrhage was frequent, and intracellularly stained fibroblasts were occasionally encountered. Moderate lesions demonstrated a pattern that was intermediate between mild and severe lesions (Table 1–4). The specific patterns of spirochetal infection that we observed provide strong evidence that MD is not psychogenic in origin but is the result of an infectious process. The proposed histological staging system is outlined in Table 5.

Figure 7.

Filaments positively stained for Bb, showing basal cell layer origin. (A) Filaments at 200× magnification showing origin in subcutaneous tissue. (B) Filament at 400× magnification reactive with anti-Bb immunostain. (C) Filament at 1000× magnification, showing basal origin and cellular composition of keratinocytes that stained intracellularly positive for Bb at the base of attachment.

Table 5.

Proposed Histological Staging System (Middelveen Criteria)

Stage	Histological Presentation	Defining Features
A – Mild	Minor parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis may be present in epidermis. Skin cells are fairly normal in appearance with little or no cell disarrangement. There is no hemorrhage. There is little to no inflammatory infiltration. Intracellular and extracellular Borrelia staining of keratinocytes is present, mainly in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. No or few aggregate colonies are present. Isolated spirochetes and or cysts may be visible. Sectioned filaments may be present, and may be associated with positive Bb immunostaining.	1. Filaments small and not prominent. 2 No hemorrhage, little or no infiltration. 3. Infected keratinocytes.
B – Moderate	Parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis are present in epidermis. Some cell disarrangement may be present. Small aggregate colonies and occasional isolated spirochetes may be present. Borrelia intracellular infection is visible within keratinocytes of the stratum basale and spinosum and within macrophages. Small amount of hemorrhage may occur. Inflammatory infiltrate may be present. Sectioned filaments may be present, and may be associated with positive Bb immunostaining. Thicker filaments originating in stratum basale that are positively anti-Bb immunostained at the base may be present.	1. Filaments present. 2. Epidermal parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis. 3. Minimal hemorrhage with infiltration. 4. Infected keratinocytes and macrophages.
C – Severe	Ulceration may cause loss of epidermal cell layer. Inflammatory infiltrates are present, mostly mononuclear cells (macrophages) indicating chronicity. There is hemorrhage, and there may be fibrin deposition. There is disarrangement of cells. Both intracellular and extracellular Borrelia staining is present, mainly occurring intracellularly within macrophages. Borrelia immunostaining may reveal Bb in aggregates and maybe a few isolated spirochetes. Filaments are present and may be associated with patches of Borrelia organisms or larger Borrelia aggregates (sheath of Borrelia aggregate surrounding fiber in image). Intracellular Borrelia infection of macrophages is common, and internal replication may evolve into a Borrelia aggregate, and if the aggregate is sufficiently large it can overtake cell eventually causing rupture. Mostly lymphocytic infiltration may be indicative of longstanding infection.	1. Filaments are a prominent feature. 2. Hemorrhage, lymphocytic infiltration and cell disarrangement. 3. Infected macrophages. 4. Borrelia aggregates.

Recent studies linking Borrelia infection and MD provide evidence meeting many of the criteria proposed by Fredricks and Relman’s molecular guidelines for establishing disease causation with sequence-based technology.^12,13,15,19 There are approximately 52 recorded species of Borrelia, of which 21 are classified into the LD group and 29 are classified into the RFB group (two species remain unclassified). Both Bb and RFB have been consistently detected in MD specimens.^{12,13,15,17,18} Although other pathogens have been detected in MD dermatological specimens, Borrelia spirochetes are the pathogens most consistently detected in MD lesions. Therefore, our proposed staging system focuses on the infectious patterns of Borrelia spp. as seen at the cellular level in histological sections from MD lesions.

Comparison Between MD and Syphilis

Classification and staging of disease processes are human concepts that enable us to categorize diseases, but convenient grouping is not found in nature. Comparison between historical accounts of syphilis and syphilis cases that are seen today in immunocompetent subjects demonstrates that spontaneous diminution of virulence has occurred. One hypothesis explaining the decrease in virulence is that many patients with secondary syphilis may have had co-infections with other microbial agents, and that co-infection may have compounded presentation, morbidity, and mortality of syphilis.³⁸ Irrespective of the presence of co-involved infections, staging and classification of syphilis remained centered on infection with T. pallidum. As many MD patients have infections with other tick-borne pathogens and other human pathogens, it is reasonable to assume that like syphilis, co-infections may play a role in augmenting severity of the condition. As spirochetal Borrelia infection appears to be the key denomination factor, our staging system for MD will focus on Borrelia.

Immunohistology of MD

Our cohort had serological and/or DNA evidence of Borrelia spirochetal infection, although prior testing was not required for selection as study subjects. We observed a significant spirochetal burden in all the dermatological specimens from MD lesions that were submitted for study, regardless of location, lesion characteristic, or length of illness. The anti-Bb IHC staining was highly specific for bacteria with morphology consistent with spirochetal infection, and staining was associated with specific cell types, namely keratinocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages. The rabbit anti-Bb polyclonal antibody used in this study is reported to cross-react with T. pallidum, B. hermsii and B. parkeri.³⁰ A Borrelia stain with a broad range of specificity for spirochetal infection that detected both Borrelia spp. and Treponema spp. was intentionally selected for this study in order to capture the full spectrum of spirochetes that could potentially be involved in MD evolution. For comparison purposes, sections of normal human skin were stained to determine possible cross-reactivity with commonly encountered dermatological microorganisms.¹² Normal human skin bacterial flora showed no staining.

Biopsy sections of human skin with fungal infection and with psoriasis were examined to determine possible cross-reactivity with other inflammatory dermatological conditions and to rule out non-specific staining with inflammatory proteins and cells. Staining of psoriasis and fungal infection biopsy sections was negative, indicating that the staining was not cross-reactive or non-specific for cells or proteins associated with inflammation. Two subjects did have DNA evidence of T. denticola infection in association with Borrelia infection, but given that every patient had evidence of Borrelia infection it appears that this spirochete species is the key etiologic factor. T. denticola is a common human oral spirochete, and we hypothesize it may have been introduced by mouth-to-hand-to-lesion transmission or self-inoculation.

Developing a Staging System for MD

As Borrelia is a member of the Spirochaetaceae family like T. pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, it was logical when devising a staging system to make a comparison between MD lesions and syphilitic lesions. Syphilis is classified into three sequential clinical symptomatic stages of infection (primary, secondary and tertiary), along with corresponding characteristic skin lesions of each stage.^38,39 Primary syphilitic lesions are localized, occurring 2–3 weeks after initial exposure. If left untreated, the primary lesion heals in 4–5 weeks, but 4–8 weeks after that the infection becomes systemic and secondary syphilis develops. Some individuals have relapsing episodes of secondary syphilis with periods of latency in between and some may go on to develop tertiary syphilis, the late manifestation of the disease.³⁹

We do not see systematic progression of MD in quite the same manner, because MD lesions can develop long after other systemic symptoms are evident. If an erythema migrans (EM) rash was present after a tick bite, that stage of Borrelia infection would be comparable to the primary stage. However, many LD patients have no history of EM rash,⁴⁰ and by the time filamentous lesions develop in most MD patients, the initial Borrelia infection has passed unnoticed, Lyme-like symptoms are chronic, and the infectious process is well established. Presumably, the progression of LD is affected by the virulence of the Borrelia species, the individual host response to infection and numerous other secondary etiological factors. As stated previously, only a subset of patients with Borrelia infection develop MD lesions,¹¹ but when MD symptoms are present, for most patients the stage of disease progression is comparable to that of secondary syphilis.

Historical Background of Syphilis Staging

Syphilis is a systemic infection associated with multisystem symptoms, and cutaneous secondary syphilitic lesions are localized reactions in tissue induced by metastatic accumulation of treponemes.³⁸ Various classification schemes for syphilis were proposed in the early 20th century. Fournier differentiated lesions based on location on the skin proper versus mucous membranes, while Fox proposed that secondary syphilitic lesions be grouped into early and late syphilids (welts), a classification scheme that gained acceptance by the American Dermatological Association in 1924.³⁸ The secondary syphilitic lesions classified as early lesions by this scheme are described as follows:

1. Macular – the earliest secondary lesions, but frequently overlooked, small (4–8 mm), flat, pale pink to violaceous spots, that occur on any part except never on the face;

2. Small papular – small localized skin elevations that are easily palpated, frequently erupt after macular rashes, are variable in color, and may occur on any part of the body, but favor the trunk;

3. Follicular or pseudovesicular – small (pinpoint to pinhead), round or pointed papules around orifices of follicles or sweat glands, that tend to group, and may occur on any part of the body, but are frequently found on genital and anal regions, the back, upper trunk, arms, thighs and face;

4. Lichenoid – flattened, angulated lesions that resemble lichen planus, appearing on any part of the body, but most often on the back, upper trunk, and arms;

5. Vesicular – pointed small vesicles that rupture with difficulty, and can appear on any part of the body;

6. Psoriasiform – resemble psoriasis lesions, but do not bleed if scale is removed, occurring mostly on the palms of hands and soles of feet, but may also occur on the face, elbows, and knees;

7. Corymbiform – nipple-like, usually large lesions surrounded by smaller lesions, occurring on any part of the body.

The secondary syphilitic lesions classified as late lesions by this scheme are described as follows:

1. Large papular – like small papular, but flattened, may coalesce, occur on any part of the body;

2. Annular – papular lesions with a circinate configuration, that spread peripherally forming rings or gyrate patches, occur on any part of the body, but favor mucocutaneous areas;

3. Condylomata lata – begin as papules that flatten becoming macerated, with a thick mucoid exudate appear in two forms, one flat moist and excoriated in the center, the other is verrucous, both occur most frequently on the rectum, scrotum, vulva and groin;

4. Pustular – originates as a vesicle, resembles a papule with scales, then ruptures becoming flaccid, containing little if any pus, can form scabs over concave ulcerations or may appear as a concave ulceration with no scab formation, occurring on any part of the body, but favoring the face, nose flanks, thighs, palms of hands and soles of feet;

5. Rupial – large heavily encrusted pustules that can appear on any part of the body;

6. Frambesiform – a papular raspberry-like growth, moist, violaceous, verrucous, that occur on any part of the body, favoring the face, scalp, mouth, nose, and less frequently the axilla, anal and genital regions;

7. Pigmentary – vary in size and are not raised, can be hypopigmented or hyperpigmented, and can appear on any part of the body.

Regardless of the location and presentation of lesions, secondary syphilis lesions are local reactions to accumulated treponemes in susceptible tissue.³⁸ Alopecia can occur in untreated cases of secondary syphilis, arising from follicular involvement.³⁸ Condylomata lata are large greyish raised lesions that arise from the breakdown of secondary lesions in moist areas where tissue trauma has occurred such as the groin or axilla.³⁸ The treponemal burden in lesions provides evidence that lesions are progressive stages of the same infectious process.³⁸

Clinical Diagnosis of MD

Excluding the presence of cutaneous filaments seen in MD lesions, we have observed comparable characteristic variation in the manifestation of MD lesions. Like secondary syphilis, MD results from systemic spirochetal infection. Our findings indicate that all MD lesions are associated with a spirochetal burden and, regardless of location and variation in characteristic appearance, represent the same infectious process, comparable to syphilis. Based on this observation, we propose the following criteria and guidelines for diagnosing MD:

Diagnostic criteria (Proposed guidelines for diagnosing MD):

1. Primary features (Must include the following):

   1. Multicolored filaments embedded within or protruding from the skin
2. Secondary features (May include one or more of the following):

   1. Development of calluses
   2. Ulcerative lesions
   3. Papules
   4. Burning, itching, stinging, biting
   5. Hair loss
   6. Atypical hair/nail production
   7. Dry appearance with or without flaking skin
   8. Edema
   9. Hyper- or hypo-pigmentation from scarring
   10. Hypertrophic scarring
   11. Excoriations
   12. Slowly healing lesions
   13. Aging skin

We propose the following MD subtypes (How the above features present, morphological presentation and combination of above features):

1. Facial

2. Follicular

3. Oropharyngeal/Nasopharyngeal

4. Ophthalmological

5. Central (trunk)

6. Appendicular (extremities)

7. Genitourinary/Vulvovaginal

8. Gastrointestinal/Anorectal

9. Vesicular (some start as liquid-filled blisters, especially on the hands)

MD lesions are comparable to secondary syphilitic lesions. However, rather than relying on the systematic progress from initial infection through sequential clinical stages of infection, as has been done with syphilis, our staging focuses on the severity of lesions and corresponding histological findings. Our staging methodology demonstrates that the level of severity is associated with unique histological patterns. Mild (Stage A), moderate (Stage B) and severe (Stage C) MD lesions all demonstrated anti-Bb IHC staining associated with keratinocytes within the stratum basale and/or the stratum spinosum. The intracellular anti-Bb IHC staining of keratinocytes and fibroblasts that we observed is corroborated by findings in other published studies.

Borrelia spirochetes can invade fibroblasts and keratinocytes, and can replicate intracellularly in these cells.^41–43 In vitro studies demonstrate that intracellular sequestration enables Borrelia resistance to antibiotic treatment, and may provide a mechanism for persistent infection.^41,42 Likewise, T. pallidum can localize intracellularly within keratinocytes, fibroblasts, spermatocytes, interstitial cells and Leydig cells,^44–47 and T. denticola can invade human gingival epithelial cells.⁴⁸ Macrophages and keratinocytes are the cells in which intracellular Borrelia is most frequently observed. Bb gains entrance into macrophages by phagocytosis,⁴⁹ and interestingly keratinocytes can also act in a phagocytic manner.^50,51 Thus, Borrelia may gain entrance into cells thorough a phagocytic process in patients with MD.

Histopathology of MD Lesions

Severe MD disease is associated with inflammatory infiltrate (mainly macrophages), hemorrhage and Borrelia aggregate colonies. Most importantly, severity of lesions corresponded with the level of intracellular anti-Bb IHC staining of macrophages, primarily in the dermis, a finding that suggests chronicity. A similar pattern of intracellular T. pallidum infection within macrophages and aggregate structures was previously recognized in specimens from secondary and tertiary syphilitic patients.⁵² Furthermore, in murine models, Bb rapidly gains entrance into macrophages through phagocytosis, normally resulting in degradation. However, Bb may survive phagocytosis and persist intracellularly, and infection within macrophages may provide a pathogenic mechanism.⁴⁹ In MD cases, we do not know if Bb survives phagocytosis by persisting and replicating within macrophages, but we speculate that given the frequency of this finding, it occurs in severe MD cases. As a result, survival within macrophages may contribute to spirochete persistence and recalcitrance, like survival within keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Thus, significant Borrelia accumulation occurs within keratinocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages and, hypothetically, Bb intracellular survival and replication could result in cell rupture and formation of aggregate colonies, as shown recently.¹⁵

MD filaments originated in subcutaneous locations, emphasizing that these fibers could not have been externally implanted (Figure 7A). MD filaments originating in the basal cell layer reacted intensely with anti-Bb IHC staining (Figure 7B and C). The base of attachment and lower shaft of MD filaments demonstrated a composition of intracellularly anti-Bb IHC-stained keratinocytes that was continuous with the basal cell layer (Figure 7C). This specific staining pattern shows a direct association between MD filament formation and Borrelia infection: the fact that the organism presumed to be responsible for MD dermopathy is visible in areas demonstrating the key diagnostic criterion for MD is suggestive of a causal relationship. The presence of Bbsl, and possibly co-involvement of other pathogens, in MD skin may result in altered gene regulation and expression of keratin, collagen and melanin, that induce the production of aberrant filaments.^8,9 In support of this hypothesis, co-culture of human fibroblasts with Bbsl enhances collagen mRNA expression in vitro and stimulates the growth factors responsible for increased collagen production.⁵³

Diagnostic Approach to Syphilis

Secondary syphilis and MD associated with Borrelia infection are both systemic diseases associated with a variety of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiac symptoms.^4,11,39,49 Correctly diagnosing these spirochetal infections is therefore of paramount importance, and recognizing the associated dermopathy can aid in diagnosis. In diagnosing MD, we can take a lesson from the example of syphilis. The diagnosis of syphilis involves a range of different acceptable direct and indirect testing methods. Serological tests are the primary means of diagnosis and include specific treponemal tests and non-specific non-treponemal tests.³⁹ Most diagnoses are based on clinical appearance with supporting serological evidence: reactivity to cardiolipin (VDRL and RPR tests), and/or reactivity to treponemal outer membrane proteins (MHA-TP).⁴⁹ More recently, automated EIA tests and simple dipstick tests have become available.³⁹

Serological detection is sufficiently sensitive and specific for most cases of syphilis, but serology may lack sensitivity and/or specificity in the early phases and for certain manifestations of the disease; therefore, other methods have been used for detection.⁵⁴ Although not frequently performed, direct detection of spirochetes in primary and secondary syphilitic lesions by darkfield microscopy is an acceptable means of diagnosis. In addition, diagnosis may be based on histological examination of biopsy material using a silver staining method or IHC staining, and a new variation of IHC staining, focus floating microscopy (FFM), is now available.^39,49,54 DNA amplification of T. pallidum gene targets by PCR technology is also an accepted diagnostic method and reportedly has a specificity and sensitivity comparable to serological methods.³⁹

Diagnostic Approach to LD and MD

In contrast to the broad range of acceptable testing methods for syphilis, testing for Borrelia infection in North America, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is focused on detection of LD, and relies on a single, defective, insensitive serological test protocol.^{31,32,55–57} The recommended testing is a two-tiered test protocol consisting of a screening assay for serum antibodies – either an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or an Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). If positive, a confirmatory Western Blot is performed. The IgM Western Blot is performed only if the patient has been symptomatic for less than or equal to 30 days; and the IgG Western Blot is performed if the patient has had symptoms for greater than 30 days.⁵⁸ Patients with late or longstanding LD frequently demonstrate prolonged IgM seroreactivity that should be addressed by testing. Other deficiencies in LD testing arise from the fact that CDC endorsed commercial LD test kits are based on antigens from a single Bbss strain, B-31, and are not capable of detecting antigenic reactivity to the many Bbsl and RFB species and strains that lack cross-reactivity.^9,13,32

There are nine species of Bbsl that are said to have human pathogenic potential: B. afzelii, B. bavariensis, B. bissettii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii, B. kurtenbachii, B. lusitaniae, B. spielmanii, and B. valaisiana.⁵⁹ Our understanding of Bbsl infection is in its infancy, however, and some species classified as non-pathogenic may yet be shown to cause human disease.⁶⁰ Our knowledge of RFB is even more limited in scope than our knowledge of Bbsl. In the USA, there is no case definition for relapsing fever (RF) and it is not nationally reportable.⁶¹ Most human cases are reported in the Western states and include: B. miyamotoi, B. hermsii, B. lonestari, B. parkeri, B. turicatae, and B. mazzottii.^62–68 Bb and RFB are antigenically distinct with unique Western blot band patterns; therefore tests based on Bb antigens do not adequately detect RFB.^13,32 Ideally, serological testing for Borrelia spirochetes in MD patients should encompass the full spectrum of spirochetes associated with the dermopathy.

Although it is insensitive, serological testing is helpful for diagnosing LD because most patients with LD do not have spirochetal infection that is detectable by direct detection methods. However, patients with MD have a visible manifestation of infection that is easily identifiable by the MD case definition, and spirochetal infection is detectable in dermatological tissue by direct detection methods, providing that the correct methodologies are used.^{8,9,12,13,15,17,18} Methodologies that should be accepted as corroborative diagnostic evidence of spirochetal infection in MD patients should include those that can directly detect Borrelia spirochetes in skin specimens from tissue showing dermopathy. This can be accomplished by histological sectioning and staining with silver stains, IHC, FFM and or FISH; and by DNA detection using PCR technology.^{8,9,12,13,15,17,18} Culturing from skin specimens and from other tissues and bodily fluids can also be an effective means of detecting spirochetal infection in MD patients.^8,9,12 It is imperative that reliance on a single faulty serological method for diagnosing suspected LD should be upgraded and that other more sensitive techniques should be included in the repertoire of accepted diagnostic tools for MD.

Conclusions

This is the first proposed staging and classification system for MD that further illuminates this contested illness. The evidence presented here supports MD evolution as being directly associated with spirochetal infection, bearing similar historical and pathological parallels to syphilis. Establishing an MD staging system validates the disease as a true somatic illness and should serve as a template for diagnosis. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this complex disease process.

Disclosure

Dr Jyotsna Shah is the President and stock owner of IGeneX Inc. Dr Raphael Stricker is the owner of Union Square Medical Associates. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.