Localized scleroderma (morphea) and antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) were performed in 25 and 32 cases of morphea, respectively. The more sensitive and specific ELISA was positive in only 1 of 25 cases and the mean value was lower in cases of morphea than in controls. IFA showed minimally reactive titers in 6 (19%) of 32 cases. There were an additional six cases with borderline titers. These data indicate that there is no specific association between Borrelia burgdorferi infection and morphea but that patients with morphea tend to have circulating antibodies that are cross-reactive.
Hoesly
J M
JM
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Mertz
L E
LE
Winkelmann
R K
RK
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D001898:Borrelia / Q000276:immunology*; D001899:Borrelia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial