Granuloma Annulare and Morphea: Correlation with Borrelia burgdorferi Infections and Chlamydia-related Bacteria.

A retrospective study of 109 skin biopsies with granuloma annulare (GA) or morphea histology from patients with suspected tick bite was performed. Biopsies were tested for cutaneous Borrelia burgdorferi DNA using PCR. The same biopsies were analysed for tick-borne novel agents, Chlamydia-related bacteria (members of the Chlamydiales order), using a PCR-based method.

Clinical characterization and IgE profiling of birch (Betula verrucosa)--allergic individuals suffering from allergic reactions to raw fruits and vegetables.

Background: Hypersensitivity to raw fruits and vegetables is often associated with respiratory allergy to birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen and is considered to be the most prevalent form of food allergy in adults sensitized to birch pollen.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of clinical allergy and IgE profiles in individuals with birch pollen allergy and hypersensitivity to raw fruits and vegetables.

Methods: A total of 59 adults with clinical and skin prick test confirmed birch pollen allergy were included in the study.