Morgellon's Syndrome

Reframer

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Feb 22, 2009
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Anyone know someone with Morgellon's? Saw a bit on the Dr.s show today and thought about aquarium critters. It turns out that many people infected with it were swimming in lakes, etc. Here is some info from an article:
Current Morgellons research at a laboratory in Massachusetts shows that individuals affected by Morgellons disease have been in contact with soil and/or water containing cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), algae, aquatic fungi, water molds and lichen (algae and fungi). This assemblage of organisms, and associated bacterial populations, is common in soil and aquatic environments where cryptobiotic soils are present and/or in environments where nutrient rich conditions promote the development of algae blooms.

Dermal contact with a water source and/or inhalation of aerial dust containing cyanobacteria and algae may lead to the progressive colonization of organisms that are capable of feeding on or consuming these photosynthetic producers, thus contributing to the wide range of symptoms reported by Morgellons sufferers. Incidental growth of these opportunistic populations, such as actinomyces, aquatic fungi and true fungi, are known to promote disease in humans, as they consist of species capable of degrading either cellulose or keratin (skin/hair). Evidence for the presence of opportunistic micro- organisms in samples is indicated by the occurrence of capsule-like Morgellons particles that have been identified as parasitized pine pollen grains. Chytrid populations are obligate parasites of frogs, nematodes, algae, cyanobacteria, plants, and pine pollen (see photo below).

Scared myself again!
 
The scientific community hasn't even accepted that Morgellons is a disease. Delusional Parasitosis is suspected of accounting for most cases.
 
Well, depends on who you ask. The CDC is now investigating and recent research has shown similar abnormal blood counts and metabolic abnormalities among patients. They are still debating as to whether the cause is immune disorder, infectious, or both. A high percentage 32% in one study reportedly had previously been diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Interestingly, Lymes disease antibiotic therapy has proven effective for some patients.
People with this disease have painful open sores that contain fibers like materials that have flourescent qualities. They also experience itching and other symptoms.
I've treated people with Delusional Parasitosis before, it's really not the same.
The scientific community always takes awhile to catch up and agree upon a new disease or syndrome.
 
I have a friend who's daughter had Morgellon's, she was also active Lyme infected. It exists. Luckily for her IV antibiotic treatment for Lyme's cured the Morgellon's.

The scientific community is very slow to accept things. Too slow in my mind. And no matter how crazy some medical things sound, crazy medical things happen. I happen to be one of the very rare cases in the world of contracting weeksella zoohelcum (Bergeyella zoohelcum) having not had an infected open dog bite. It was growing in my blood for a year resulting in a constant low grade fever, then manifesting in crazy infection filled cysts in various places inside my body. My infectious disease doctor didn't even know how to treat it. A month of cipro killed it. My vet laughed hysterically when I told him what I had. It is a bacteria normal to dogs and is found in the mouths of up to 90% them. While some rare cases of it have been found in open dog bite wounds, that was not the case with me. Best to keep an open mind on medical issues....especially rare ones.
 
AquariaCentral.com