Mycosis fungoides and Borrelia burgdorferi
Author Information
Author(s): S M Tothova Miertusova, S Bonin, G Trevisan, G Stanta
Primary Institution: ICGEB – International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Hypothesis
Is Borrelia burgdorferi associated with mycosis fungoides?
Conclusion
The study found Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in 18% of mycosis fungoides patients, suggesting a possible link between the infection and the disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Borrelia burgdorferi-specific DNA was found in 15 out of 83 mycosis fungoides patients.
- None of the matched healthy controls tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi.
- The study suggests a possible role for Borrelia burgdorferi in the aetiopathogenesis of mycosis fungoides.
Takeaway
This study looked at skin samples from people with a skin cancer called mycosis fungoides and found a germ that causes Lyme disease in some of them, which might be related to their illness.
Methodology
Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in skin biopsies from patients with mycosis fungoides and matched healthy controls.
Limitations
The study is limited to a specific geographic area and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Patients were diagnosed with mycosis fungoides between 1993 and 2003, with a mean age of 65.5 years, and included 49 males and 34 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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