Morgellons in the “Atlas of Human Parasitology”

From: Atlas of Human Parasitology, 5th Edition, 2007, Ash & Orihel, pages 386-387

There appears to be a marked increase in cases of delusional parasitosis recently. This appears to correlate with increasing availability of internet sites that are devoted to this or similar conditions. By using online resources (especially web chatrooms), patients will come away with a conviction that they have identified the specific parasite that they have acquired, …

Within the past few years, individuals who often exhibit manifestations of what many consider to be delusional parasitosis have referred to their condition as Morgellons disease. Given the large number of individuals involved who feel this is an as yet undefined medical problem, the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began in late 2006 an investigation into the validity of this as an actual disease. …

Many dermatologists refute the suggestion that this is an actual disease but instead indicate that many of these patients have psychological problems or other common skin disorders. Given the large numbers of individuals who feel they have this affliction, it will be most helpful over the coming years to have a valid scientific assessment of Morgellons disease and its possible etiology (or etiologies). One of the chief criticisms by many patients has been that they feel the medical community and other scientists consulted have not been open to the idea that there is possibly an as yet undescribed infectious or physiologic causation for the disease. However it is certainly true that in fact many expert parasitologists, medical entomologists and other microbiologists have in fact carefully examined fibers and other materials expressed or extracted from such patients and found that biological organisms are not present. Although an apparent association of the condition with the presence of Lyme disease has been reported (Savely et al, 2006, Aj J Clin Drematol., 7:1-6), further research will be needed to help resolve the validity of Morgellons disease. Until then, whether Morgellons disease is another name for delusional parasitosis, or a real disease entity with a biological or physiologic basis will remain up in the air.