The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is launching a study to improve understanding of an unexplained and controversial dermatologic condition known as Morgellons, which is affecting an increasing number of individuals both in the United States and abroad, the agency announced.
Little is known about the cause of the condition, which is characterized by a range of dermatologic symptoms, including rashes and sores that occur in association with abnormal crawling, biting, or stinging sensations.
Patients often describe having threads, fibers, or foreign materials underneath or protruding from the skin in affected areas. Fatigue, mental confusion, memory loss, joint pain, and changes in vision have also been reported.
Some medical professionals consider Morgellons to be a manifestation of other medical or psychological conditions, including delusional parasitosis, but experts are divided on the topic.
"What is clear is that those who suffer from this condition, as well as their family members and their physicians, have questions," Dr. Michele Pearson said during a press briefing held to announce the study's launch.
It is also clear that the symptoms and the suffering of patients are very real, said Dr. Pearson, principal investigator for the CDC, in response to questions from the media about whether Morgellons is a "real disease."
Dr. Dirk Elston, director of the department of dermatology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., said that "So far all the patients I have seen who believed they may have Morgellon's actually appeared to suffer from delusional parasitosis."
The study will be conducted in conjunction with Kaiser Permanente Northern California, which is "uniquely positioned to assist the CDC with this study," because of the large population of members it serves, and because of the research capabilities within the organization.
Furthermore, northern California is one of the "hot spots" around the country where cases of reported Moregellons have been geographically concentrated, Dr. Joe Selby, director, division of research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California said during the briefing.
Cases have also been reported in Canada, Australia, and several European countries; however, little is known about the true prevalence of the disorder, Dr. Pearson said, noting that the CDC has received about 1,200 inquiries about the Morgellons, and by some estimates there are approximately 10,000 self-reported cases of the condition.
The investigators aim to determine the prevalence, as well as to identify epidemiological, clinical, and histopathologic features of the condition. Patient recruitment will begin immediately.
Participants will undergo a detailed general, dermatologic, and mental health evaluation; skin biopsies; and a series of blood tests.
"Those affected are very anxious for answers," she said.
Although it is hoped that this study will indeed provide some answers, Dr. Pearson added, it is likely that numerous studies will be needed to fully elucidate this condition.
"[Morgellons] is complicated, and it may involve multiple factors … but we believe this study will provide useful information to the medical community, and—most importantly—to those who suffer with this disorder," she said.