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Dib El Jalbout J, Sati H, Ghalloub P, El Bejjani G, Karam R, Mago A, Salame M, Saoudi L, Desangles AB, Emmanuel N. Morgellons disease: a narrative review. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2579-2591. [PMID: 38319480 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Morgellons disease is characterized by the persistent delusion of skin infestation, ultimately inflicting wounds and impairing quality of life. There is insufficient and conflicting research pertaining to this condition, imposing challenges on clinicians in understanding, diagnosing, and treating it. In this review, we summarize the available literature on Morgellons disease including its historical evolution, epidemiology, proposed pathophysiology, underlying structural and functional brain pathologies, typical and atypical clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using specified keywords. Selected articles were screened by two independent reviewers based on set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer as needed. No limit to the date of selected articles was set due to the scarce literature available on the subject. Morgellons disease is an underdiagnosed entity, owing mostly to the lack of an established pathophysiology and treatment guidelines. While many authors classify it as a type of delusional infestation (DI), others correlate MD with an underlying spirochetal infection, namely Lyme disease. Neuroimaging studies have revealed abnormalities in the "fronto-striato-thalamo-parietal network", a finding common to patients with DI, in addition to alterations in structures related to the "Itch Processing Pathway". Patients tend to extract fibers from their skin lesions and place them in a match box hence the term "match box sign". The diagnosis is that of exclusion, requiring extensive work up to rule out secondary causes and differential diagnoses. Treatment is largely based on the use of antipsychotics, with or without cognitive behavioral therapy. Despite being a diagnosis of exclusion, clinicians must be aware of this entity and have a profound understanding of the pathogenesis underlying it. Upon clinical suspicion, secondary Morgellons should always be ruled out through a thorough history taking, physical examination, and laboratory exams. Despite the challenges brought by the heterogeneous presentation of the condition and the paucity of research revolving around it, the great impact that Morgellons disease has on patients' quality of life forms a pressing need for its adequate detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Dib El Jalbout
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Heba Sati
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Koura, Lebanon
| | - Perla Ghalloub
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Koura, Lebanon
| | - Grace El Bejjani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rim Karam
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Arpit Mago
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Marita Salame
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lara Saoudi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | | | - Nancy Emmanuel
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Mindru FM, Radu AF, Bumbu AG, Radu A, Bungau SG. Insights into the Medical Evaluation of Ekbom Syndrome: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2151. [PMID: 38396826 PMCID: PMC10889746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ekbom syndrome, also known as delusional parasitosis (DP) or delusional infestation, is an uncommon psychiatric disorder distinguished by an enduring conviction of parasitic infestation, persisting notwithstanding the presence of medical evidence to the contrary. Primarily affecting middle-aged women, DP can manifest either as isolated psychological distress or as a component within a more intricate psychiatric framework, substantially influencing the quality of life for affected individuals. Its pathophysiological mechanism involves uncertain dopaminergic imbalances and dysfunction in the dopamine transporter system. Dermatologists often play a pivotal role in diagnosis, as patients first seek dermatological assessments of their signs and symptoms. However, DP frequently originates from underlying psychiatric disorders or medical variables, manifesting with neurological and infectious causative factors. The diagnostic complexity is attributed to patients' resolute convictions, leading to delayed psychiatric intervention. First-line DP treatment involves antipsychotics, with newer agents demonstrating promising prospects, but the lack of standardized protocols poses a significant therapeutic challenge. In this narrative review, both a comprehensive approach to this uncommon pathology and an update on the state of knowledge in this medical subfield focused on optimizing the management of DP are provided. The complexity of DP underlying its uncommon nature and the incomplete understanding of its pathophysiology highlight the need for further research through multicenter studies and multidisciplinary teams to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florina Madalina Mindru
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Andrei-Flavius Radu
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Adrian Gheorghe Bumbu
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Ada Radu
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
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Sevestre J, Marty P, Hubiche T, Pomares C, Delaunay P. Groundbreaking outpatient activity in medical entomology in France: An eight-year experience in a french university hospital. Infect Dis Now 2023; 53:104728. [PMID: 37295744 DOI: 10.1016/j.idnow.2023.104728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arthropods are known to impair human health in various manners, acting as infectious disease vectors, or as simple nuisances. Even though considerable research is being produced in medical entomology, no reports on patient management in clinical entomology units are available in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively surveyed all the records from patients having consulted in our outpatient clinical entomology unit in Nice University Hospital from 2012 to 2020. For each patient, physical examination findings and treatment data were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 518 patients were analyzed in this study. Most were diagnosed with arthropod infestation (55.8%), the most common being Sarcoptes scabiei (35%), bedbugs (23%), Pyemotes dermatitis (17.6%) and flea infestation (15.9%). Along with symptomatic treatments, targeted environmental measures could be proposed for infested patients. For many of our patients, on the other hand, active infestation was ruled out. CONCLUSION Given today's lack of expertise in medical entomology, we advocate for the creation of medical entomology units in university hospitals, not only allowing fair and proportionate multidisciplinary management of patients in whom arthropod infestation is suspected, but also generating cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Sevestre
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France.
| | - Pierre Marty
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France; C3M, INSERM 1065, Université de la Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Thomas Hubiche
- Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France; C3M, INSERM 1065, Université de la Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Pascal Delaunay
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
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González-Rodríguez A, Seeman MV, Díaz-Pons A, Ayesa-Arriola R, Natividad M, Calvo E, Monreal JA. Do Sex/Gender and Menopause Influence the Psychopathology and Comorbidity Observed in Delusional Disorders? J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154550. [PMID: 35956165 PMCID: PMC9369646 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: While sex differences and gonadal hormone levels are taken seriously in the understanding and treatment of schizophrenia, their influence in the psychopathology of delusional disorders (DD) remains unknown. Methods: Our strategy was to conduct a narrative review of the effects of (a) sex/gender difference and (b) menopause on delusional content, affective and anxiety-related comorbidity, substance use disorders, cognition, aggressivity, and suicide risk in DD. Results: Because the literature is scarce, our results are tentative. We found that erotomania was more prevalent in women than in men, and especially in women with premenopausal onset. In contrast, jealous and somatic delusions were more commonly seen in DD women with postmenopausal onset. With respect to depressive comorbidity, women with premenopausal onset appear more vulnerable to depression than those with later onset. Age at menopause is reported to correlate positively with intensity of suicidal ideation. Anxiety symptoms may be related to estrogen levels. Men present with higher rates of substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use. Conclusions: Many male/female differences in DD may be attributable to sociocultural factors but menopause, and, therefore, levels of female hormones, influence symptom expression in women and mediate the expression of psychiatric comorbidities. Further research in this area promises to lead to improved individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, Fundació Docència i Recerca Mutua Terrassa, University of Barcelona (UB), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 08221 Terrassa, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Mary V. Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5P 3L6, Canada
| | - Alexandre Díaz-Pons
- Department of Psychiatry, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Ayesa-Arriola
- Department of Psychiatry, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mentxu Natividad
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, Fundació Docència i Recerca Mutua Terrassa, University of Barcelona (UB), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 08221 Terrassa, Spain
| | - Eva Calvo
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, Fundació Docència i Recerca Mutua Terrassa, University of Barcelona (UB), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 08221 Terrassa, Spain
| | - José A. Monreal
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, Fundació Docència i Recerca Mutua Terrassa, University of Barcelona (UB), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 08221 Terrassa, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain
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Orsolini L, Corona D, Salvi V, Volpe U. Long-acting paliperidone in Ekbom’s syndrome in Lewy body dementia: A case report. Transl Neurosci 2022; 13:201-210. [PMID: 35975126 PMCID: PMC9334881 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ekbom Syndrome (ES) is characterised by fixed, delusional beliefs that one’s body is infested by parasites or other vermin in absence of supporting clinical evidence. Antipsychotic (AP) treatment, including long-acting injectable (LAI) AP in subjects with poor compliance, is prescribed to manage behavioural and psychotic symptomatology. Objectives We describe a 70-year-old woman who was hospitalised after experiencing new-onset delusions of infestation with visual and tactile hallucinations that led to bizarre behaviours and progressive social withdrawal. Methods She was diagnosed with ES and was initially treated with risperidone 3 mg; however, due to poor compliance and a lack of insight, she was switched to LAI palmitate paliperidone (LAI-PP). She was followed up for 8 months, administering Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Global Assessment of Functioning, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, neurocognitive assessment, and neuroimaging. Results After a progressive cognitive deterioration, she was diagnosed with an ES secondary to Lewy body dementia (DLB). Conclusion The LAI-PP treatment determined a complete clinical remission of psychotic symptoms despite the emergence of an iatrogenic akinetic-rigid syndrome. The delay of confirmatory neurological diagnosis, the associated risky behaviours of the patient, and poor treatment adherence led clinicians to prescribe LAI-PP following a good clinical response to oral paliperidone. However, in the case of a suspected DLB diagnosis, the prescription of an LAI-PP as a first-line strategy should be carefully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Orsolini
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Polytechnic University of Marche , 60126 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Diana Corona
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Polytechnic University of Marche , 60126 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Virginio Salvi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Polytechnic University of Marche , 60126 , Ancona , Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Polytechnic University of Marche , 60126 , Ancona , Italy
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Cohen PR. “Doctor, You Must Examine My Creature Collection!”: A Case Report of Delusional Infestation. Cureus 2022; 14:e25758. [PMID: 35812529 PMCID: PMC9270088 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Delusional infestation--either secondary when attributed to a medical condition (including a bon-a-fide parasite infestation) or a pharmacologic agent (prescribed or illicit) or primary when secondary etiologies have been excluded--is a psychosis in which, for at least one month duration, the patient not only has a delusion that an animate organism or an inanimate pathogen has infested them, but also has abnormal tactile sensation (such as pruritus) of their skin caused by the etiology of their delusion. In patients over the age of 50 years, a delusional infestation is three times more common in women than men; however, delusional infestation in younger patients is often secondary, associated with illicit drug exposure, and equally common in women and men. Primary skin lesions are typically absent in delusional infestation patients; however, secondary skin lesions--resulting from the patient’s efforts to remove the parasite from their skin--can be observed, such as excoriations, prurigo nodules, scars, and ulcers. Delusional infestation patients typically strive to convince the person evaluating them that their infestation is valid and many of these individuals do this by collecting the parasites in a container. Presentation of the pathogen-filled containers is a pathognomonic feature of delusional infestation that has been referred to as either a positive creature collection sign, match box sign, parasite preservation sign, pillbox sign, or specimen sign. Morgellons disease--in which the pathogen being extruded from the skin is a fiber--has several features (including an excellent response to treatment with antipsychotic agents) in common with delusional infestation; therefore, most investigators consider Morgellons disease to be a variant of delusional infestation. Delusional infestation can be associated with numerous diseases, including comorbid psychiatric conditions. Indeed, up to 15 percent of delusional infestation patients have one (folie a deux) or more individuals with similar symptoms. A man with delusional infestation is described who had a positive creature collection sign, a fixed belief that his symptoms were caused by the infesting organism, and refusal to accept that he had a psychiatric disorder. He insisted that the evaluating dermatologist examine the pathogens in the clear plastic container he brought with him to his appointment. He was convinced that the pruritus of his scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes was associated with a non-existent lice infestation. Secondary delusional infestation was excluded and his concurrent mild seborrheic dermatitis was treated topically; however, his itching did not resolve. He eventually agreed to seek treatment with a psychiatrist. The management of delusional infestation is based on its etiology; resolving the underlying medical condition or discontinuing the causative pharmacologic agent is the treatment approach for secondary delusional infestation, whereas low-dose antipsychotic agents are the intervention of choice for treating primary delusional infestation.
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Balogh EA, Beuerlein KG, Feldman SR. Choosing the appropriate pharmacotherapy for Morgellons disease: an expert perspective. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:527-530. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2029407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther A. Balogh
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine G. Beuerlein
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven R. Feldman
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Tu H, Sienaert P. Delusional Infestation Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy. J ECT 2021; 37:e42-e43. [PMID: 34699393 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Windbiel-Rojas K, Matuskey R, Parilo DW. Delusional infestation: What nurses should know. Nursing 2021; 51:50-54. [PMID: 34347755 DOI: 10.1097/01.nurse.0000757152.58008.d1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Patients with delusional infestation, a rare psychiatric disorder, have a false and fixed belief that insects or other organisms are crawling in or on their skin. This article describes signs and symptoms, available treatments, and appropriate nursing interventions for patients with primary delusional infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Karey Windbiel-Rojas is associate director for urban and community integrated pest management at the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program/UC Agriculture and Natural Resources in Davis, Calif. Rachel Matuskey is a recent graduate of the School of Nursing, California State University in Sacramento, Calif., where Denise Wall Parilo is a professor
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Meixiong J, Dong X, Weng HJ. Neuropathic Itch. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102263. [PMID: 33050211 PMCID: PMC7601786 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurologic insults as varied as inflammation, stroke, and fibromyalgia elicit neuropathic pain and itch. Noxious sensation results when aberrantly increased afferent signaling reaches percept-forming cortical neurons and can occur due to increased sensory signaling, decreased inhibitory signaling, or a combination of both processes. To treat these symptoms, detailed knowledge of sensory transmission, from innervated end organ to cortex, is required. Molecular, genetic, and behavioral dissection of itch in animals and patients has improved understanding of the receptors, cells, and circuits involved. In this review, we will discuss neuropathic itch with a focus on the itch-specific circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Meixiong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Department of Dermatology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hao-Jui Weng
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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