Post by bessie on Mar 15, 2009 18:03:19 GMT -5
Opinion: Morgellons- Delusion, fungus, or truly lousy epidemiology?
By Paul Wallis.
Published 18 hours ago by ¡ Paul Wallis
Digital Health Journal
www.digitaljournal.com/article/269218
Morgellons Disease is gcontroversialh, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo, however, doesnft consider the condition trivial. The condition is very debilitating. Apparently also severely debilitated is the sleeping science of epidemiology.
Morgellons was the topic of a recent story on DJ by Adriana Stuijt and an earlier piece by Samantha A Torrence.
This is the sort of topic that gets my interest, so I decided to do some digging.
Therefs no known cause for Morgellons, but there are literally thousands of theories. Too many, in fact, for much credibility. Theories so far range from a hoax, aliens, to neurological disorders, to nano tech.
This is science? This is medicine? This is the 21st century?
As science, itfs pitiful. As epidemiology, itfs inexcusable.
The known facts are that the disease is characterised by "fibres" forming in the skin, severe discomfort, short term memory loss, pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and behavioral changes. Changes in skin color, and other wonderful personal fun things are also noted.
Obviously, it can't be too serious. Nothing to disturb the rich sewer of greed-based medical scientific stagnation which we've all come to appreciate so much over the last few decades.
The Mayo has some interesting comments in its piece on Morgellons Disease which define the state of the gresearchh so far:
Beyond anecdotal reports, researchers know little about Morgellons disease. The Morgellons Research Foundation reports no known causes of Morgellons disease and no successful treatment for the condition. Whether Morgellons disease is contagious remains a mystery.
So there are thousands of cases, and almost nobody has bothered to get off their backsides and go looking for an actual cause. Which means all the theories to date are so much unsubstantiated drivel.
The Morgellons Research Foundation, fortunately, has been working on somewhat less anecdotal, and noticeably less apathetic, information than the rest of the epidemiological world. In its report dated June 2008, it refers to common organisms known to cause disease in humans, and makes some qualified associations with Morgellons Disease.
One of the more plausible associations is with parasitic fungi. Fungal infections can be devastating, as anyone whofs ever had Thrush would know. The fungus involved, Candida Albicans, is perfectly capable of sporulation in living tissue. Fungi, in fact, have survived every major extinction event in Earthfs history, and can exist in just about any environment.
Ifm a horticulturalist by qualification, and I can tell you, if therefs a problem with anything, top of the list of usual suspects are fungi, each and every time.
They also produce very hard tissues, themselves. The Razor Strop fungus is so called because itfs so tough you can literally sharpen razors on it. Fungi are at least theoretically capable of producing gkeratin like fibresh.
The pathology of Morgellons Disease, growths of fibres appearing in various locations, is also consistent with growths from spores in close proximity, like Candida Albicans. Dryness and loss of moisture would be consistent with fungal activity. Fungi must have water.
Lack of infections around lesions may also indicate active fungi. Thatfs not proven, or even suggested, by research at this stage, but itfs a working theory for that fact. Many fungi are bacteriophages, and the human body has a lot of very nasty opportunists like Staph, waiting for open lesions. Lack of infection may mean that even Staph canft deal with Morgellons pathogens. In which case, modified versions of these things might be cures for Golden Staph.
The rest of the report is a lot less heart warming, in terms of where researchers have found Morgellons-like particles. Domestic hot water services, for one. I donft know if you spend much time thinking about multicolored particles in your hot water services, but thatfs where these things are showing up.
The Morgellons Research Foundation found no less than six types of particle in the hot water tanks shower and kitchens of sufferers, including highly Morgellon-suggestive ribbons, colored clear, blue, red, green and black. These particle types are directly related to particles from Morgellons sufferers.
So, a disease, or a class of related pathogens, producing common effects?
Also interesting was the fact cited in the report that replacing the water tanks resulted in marked improvement in the health of the sufferers.
This is an image of Morgellons:
This is an image of a parasitic fungus:
As you can see, fibres are natural offshoots of fungi, even in this non related species.
This is another view of a parasitic fungus, under an electron microscope.
Less tangled than Morgellons, but you see the fibre structure.
Many fungi are amorphous, too, not as neatly structured as these examples, but the fibres are used to break down tissues, in all species. A tough fungus, living in human tissue, wouldnft be able to adopt a simple morphology.
The itching and crawling sensations of Morgellons are also indicative of active fungal infection. Even athletefs foot, another nasty fungus, produces similar sensations. The itching also indicates some immune response, and there should be antigens of some sort around the tissue. Another very basic research methodology left flapping in the wind, no doubt.
Epidemiology: Science or Spectator?
We can assume that despite the apparent lack of rational responses from various gauthoritiesh, the research by the Morgellons Research Foundation is getting somewhere.
Infinitely less amusing is the obvious total failure of anything resembling a systemic response to what may well be a serious threat to human health. Widespread fungal diseases include Thrush, Chlamdyia, and a range of severe dermatological conditions. Fungi ainft funny, medically.
An unknown pathology, affecting tens of thousands of people, surely deserves more than a diagnosis of gmental illnessh in people with lesions all over them. Only shingles and some rashes are known to be caused by neurological dysfunction. Nothing else is known to do that.
An unknown disease causing actual wounds surely deserves the semantic courtesy of being considered a disease, not a delusion.
The public deserves the courtesy of a science which isnft sitting on its butt. If you wanted a pandemic which could make the Influenza Epidemic look like a baby shower, a fungus would be one of the best candidates.
This disease, whatever it is, is spreading rapidly enough to warrant proper attention.
Epidemiology isnft supposed to be a raffle, or a spectator sport. Itfs supposed to be a science.
This definitely isn't a medical recommendation, because of the seriousness of the condition, but it is an observation:
I've found serious fungal infections react to anti tinea creams. Some react to oxygen bleaches. They're anerobic, and they hate oxygen. Perhaps the Morgellons Research Foundation would like to check out reactions?
Because it looks like the rest of epidemiology won't be trying too hard to find an actual treatment, either.
It's definitely a matter of opinion who's delusive, when actual lesions are considered psychological, not physical.
This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com
morgellons research epidemiology
Editor Picks Comments (2) Tuesday Night 'Twitterview' stars Stephanopoulos and McCain
George Stephanopoulos and John McCain will be tweeting this coming Tuesday in an interview hosted on the Twitter technology.
Published 2 hours ago by ¡ Bob Ewing | 2 comments
Apple to Preview iPhone 3.0
Apple has sent out announcements stating that it will be previewing the iPhone 3.0 on March 17 at an invite only media event.
Published 5 hours ago by ¡ Bob Ewing
London taxi driver drugged and raped female passengers
A London taxi driver is to receive a substantial prison sentence having been found guilty of 19 charges including rape, sexual assault and administering a substance with intent.
Published 7 hours ago by ¡ Andy Madden | 1 comment
Opinion: Stop trying to make the world's smallest computer
With growing interest in netbooks (those basic laptops used mainly for email and Web), we went into the lab to review the new tech toys. While some are great, others are frustrating to use. PC Makers: Stop trying to reinvent the wheel.
Published 8 hours ago by ¡ David Silverberg | 5 comments
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, footing the bill for research
Google co-founder Sergey Brin is trying to find the gene that leads to Parkinson's disease. His mother has the disease and he found last year that he carries a mutation that shows he is more at risk of developing Parkinson's.
Published 9 hours ago by ¡ KJ Mullins
apis-117005 apis-116997 apis-116995 apis-116898 apis-116984
2 subscribers Subscribe to this thread
Posted 13 hours ago by ¡ Carol Forsloff #1
This is a valuable and insightful article. Fungus can cause serious debilitation as well and quite painful conditions. Your analysis and presentation were excellent.
quote
Posted 12 hours ago by ¡ Debra Myers #2
@¡ Carol Forsloff
This is a valuable and insightful article. Fungus can cause serious debilitation as well and quite painful conditions. Your analysis and presentation were excellent.
I agree with Carol. It's inexcusable that there has not been some serious investigation and research into this...because it's apparent that more and more people are becoming afflicted with it.
By Paul Wallis.
Published 18 hours ago by ¡ Paul Wallis
Digital Health Journal
www.digitaljournal.com/article/269218
Morgellons Disease is gcontroversialh, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo, however, doesnft consider the condition trivial. The condition is very debilitating. Apparently also severely debilitated is the sleeping science of epidemiology.
Morgellons was the topic of a recent story on DJ by Adriana Stuijt and an earlier piece by Samantha A Torrence.
This is the sort of topic that gets my interest, so I decided to do some digging.
Therefs no known cause for Morgellons, but there are literally thousands of theories. Too many, in fact, for much credibility. Theories so far range from a hoax, aliens, to neurological disorders, to nano tech.
This is science? This is medicine? This is the 21st century?
As science, itfs pitiful. As epidemiology, itfs inexcusable.
The known facts are that the disease is characterised by "fibres" forming in the skin, severe discomfort, short term memory loss, pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and behavioral changes. Changes in skin color, and other wonderful personal fun things are also noted.
Obviously, it can't be too serious. Nothing to disturb the rich sewer of greed-based medical scientific stagnation which we've all come to appreciate so much over the last few decades.
The Mayo has some interesting comments in its piece on Morgellons Disease which define the state of the gresearchh so far:
Beyond anecdotal reports, researchers know little about Morgellons disease. The Morgellons Research Foundation reports no known causes of Morgellons disease and no successful treatment for the condition. Whether Morgellons disease is contagious remains a mystery.
So there are thousands of cases, and almost nobody has bothered to get off their backsides and go looking for an actual cause. Which means all the theories to date are so much unsubstantiated drivel.
The Morgellons Research Foundation, fortunately, has been working on somewhat less anecdotal, and noticeably less apathetic, information than the rest of the epidemiological world. In its report dated June 2008, it refers to common organisms known to cause disease in humans, and makes some qualified associations with Morgellons Disease.
One of the more plausible associations is with parasitic fungi. Fungal infections can be devastating, as anyone whofs ever had Thrush would know. The fungus involved, Candida Albicans, is perfectly capable of sporulation in living tissue. Fungi, in fact, have survived every major extinction event in Earthfs history, and can exist in just about any environment.
Ifm a horticulturalist by qualification, and I can tell you, if therefs a problem with anything, top of the list of usual suspects are fungi, each and every time.
They also produce very hard tissues, themselves. The Razor Strop fungus is so called because itfs so tough you can literally sharpen razors on it. Fungi are at least theoretically capable of producing gkeratin like fibresh.
The pathology of Morgellons Disease, growths of fibres appearing in various locations, is also consistent with growths from spores in close proximity, like Candida Albicans. Dryness and loss of moisture would be consistent with fungal activity. Fungi must have water.
Lack of infections around lesions may also indicate active fungi. Thatfs not proven, or even suggested, by research at this stage, but itfs a working theory for that fact. Many fungi are bacteriophages, and the human body has a lot of very nasty opportunists like Staph, waiting for open lesions. Lack of infection may mean that even Staph canft deal with Morgellons pathogens. In which case, modified versions of these things might be cures for Golden Staph.
The rest of the report is a lot less heart warming, in terms of where researchers have found Morgellons-like particles. Domestic hot water services, for one. I donft know if you spend much time thinking about multicolored particles in your hot water services, but thatfs where these things are showing up.
The Morgellons Research Foundation found no less than six types of particle in the hot water tanks shower and kitchens of sufferers, including highly Morgellon-suggestive ribbons, colored clear, blue, red, green and black. These particle types are directly related to particles from Morgellons sufferers.
So, a disease, or a class of related pathogens, producing common effects?
Also interesting was the fact cited in the report that replacing the water tanks resulted in marked improvement in the health of the sufferers.
This is an image of Morgellons:
This is an image of a parasitic fungus:
As you can see, fibres are natural offshoots of fungi, even in this non related species.
This is another view of a parasitic fungus, under an electron microscope.
Less tangled than Morgellons, but you see the fibre structure.
Many fungi are amorphous, too, not as neatly structured as these examples, but the fibres are used to break down tissues, in all species. A tough fungus, living in human tissue, wouldnft be able to adopt a simple morphology.
The itching and crawling sensations of Morgellons are also indicative of active fungal infection. Even athletefs foot, another nasty fungus, produces similar sensations. The itching also indicates some immune response, and there should be antigens of some sort around the tissue. Another very basic research methodology left flapping in the wind, no doubt.
Epidemiology: Science or Spectator?
We can assume that despite the apparent lack of rational responses from various gauthoritiesh, the research by the Morgellons Research Foundation is getting somewhere.
Infinitely less amusing is the obvious total failure of anything resembling a systemic response to what may well be a serious threat to human health. Widespread fungal diseases include Thrush, Chlamdyia, and a range of severe dermatological conditions. Fungi ainft funny, medically.
An unknown pathology, affecting tens of thousands of people, surely deserves more than a diagnosis of gmental illnessh in people with lesions all over them. Only shingles and some rashes are known to be caused by neurological dysfunction. Nothing else is known to do that.
An unknown disease causing actual wounds surely deserves the semantic courtesy of being considered a disease, not a delusion.
The public deserves the courtesy of a science which isnft sitting on its butt. If you wanted a pandemic which could make the Influenza Epidemic look like a baby shower, a fungus would be one of the best candidates.
This disease, whatever it is, is spreading rapidly enough to warrant proper attention.
Epidemiology isnft supposed to be a raffle, or a spectator sport. Itfs supposed to be a science.
This definitely isn't a medical recommendation, because of the seriousness of the condition, but it is an observation:
I've found serious fungal infections react to anti tinea creams. Some react to oxygen bleaches. They're anerobic, and they hate oxygen. Perhaps the Morgellons Research Foundation would like to check out reactions?
Because it looks like the rest of epidemiology won't be trying too hard to find an actual treatment, either.
It's definitely a matter of opinion who's delusive, when actual lesions are considered psychological, not physical.
This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com
morgellons research epidemiology
Editor Picks Comments (2) Tuesday Night 'Twitterview' stars Stephanopoulos and McCain
George Stephanopoulos and John McCain will be tweeting this coming Tuesday in an interview hosted on the Twitter technology.
Published 2 hours ago by ¡ Bob Ewing | 2 comments
Apple to Preview iPhone 3.0
Apple has sent out announcements stating that it will be previewing the iPhone 3.0 on March 17 at an invite only media event.
Published 5 hours ago by ¡ Bob Ewing
London taxi driver drugged and raped female passengers
A London taxi driver is to receive a substantial prison sentence having been found guilty of 19 charges including rape, sexual assault and administering a substance with intent.
Published 7 hours ago by ¡ Andy Madden | 1 comment
Opinion: Stop trying to make the world's smallest computer
With growing interest in netbooks (those basic laptops used mainly for email and Web), we went into the lab to review the new tech toys. While some are great, others are frustrating to use. PC Makers: Stop trying to reinvent the wheel.
Published 8 hours ago by ¡ David Silverberg | 5 comments
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, footing the bill for research
Google co-founder Sergey Brin is trying to find the gene that leads to Parkinson's disease. His mother has the disease and he found last year that he carries a mutation that shows he is more at risk of developing Parkinson's.
Published 9 hours ago by ¡ KJ Mullins
apis-117005 apis-116997 apis-116995 apis-116898 apis-116984
2 subscribers Subscribe to this thread
Posted 13 hours ago by ¡ Carol Forsloff #1
This is a valuable and insightful article. Fungus can cause serious debilitation as well and quite painful conditions. Your analysis and presentation were excellent.
quote
Posted 12 hours ago by ¡ Debra Myers #2
@¡ Carol Forsloff
This is a valuable and insightful article. Fungus can cause serious debilitation as well and quite painful conditions. Your analysis and presentation were excellent.
I agree with Carol. It's inexcusable that there has not been some serious investigation and research into this...because it's apparent that more and more people are becoming afflicted with it.