Morgellons disease is a complex dermopathy that is controversial in the medical community. Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to the etiology or transmission of this disease. Due to the lack of information, the debate surrounding Morgellons is considerable. There are currently no accepted markers for diagnosis, which leads patients to a common differential diagnosis of delusional parasitosis or delusional infestation.1,3 However, with further investigation, potential etiologies can be explored. In this study:

• Lesions from patients are collected and de-identified so they are anonymous to the researchers.

• Lesions are studied for unusual microbial organisms; specifically, Bartonella henselae, Helicobacter pylori, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Treponema denticola.

• Borrelia burgdorferi have been detected in dermatological specimens, providing a base line for spirochetal cause.1

• We hypothesize microbial organisms could be the infectious cause of Morgellons disease.

• Identifying these related strains will help to determine if an infectious etiology of the dermopathy is present.