CEHF Attends ILADS 2025 as OSU Researcher Presents New Morgellons Findings
The Charles E. Holman Morgellons Disease Foundation (CEHF) attended the 2025 ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) Annual Conference at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas. This year’s event highlighted exciting scientific progress, including new research on Morgellons disease from Oklahoma State University’s Center for Health Sciences – Center for the Investigation of Morgellons.
Advancing Morgellons Research
During the conference, OSU PhD candidate Samantha Rice presented a poster showcasing her ongoing research under the direction of Dr. Randy Wymore. Her work continues to corroborate previous studies on Morgellons, confirming the presence of key pathogens involved in the disease process and successfully replicating the genetic sequencing that supports earlier findings.
The research identifies several pathogens associated with Morgellons skin symptoms, including Borrelia spirochetes, Helicobacter pylori, Bartonella henslae, and Treponema denticola. Both the OSU and CEHF research teams consider Borrelia spirochetes (multiple species) to be the primary infectious agent.
This reproducibility marks an important milestone for the Morgellons community—further validating the condition as a physical, infectious disease, not merely psychiatric in origin. It reinforces the need for continued investigation into Morgellons skin manifestations and their link to tick-borne pathogens.
CEHF Participation and Collaboration
Representing CEHF, Director Cindy Casey-Holman and Board Member Deb Corrigan attended the three-and-a-half-day conference, which featured presentations on a wide range of tick-borne illnesses. CEHF Medical Advisor Dr. Eboni Cornish shared a presentation on SPECT scans, while Dr. Robert Bransfield, also a CEHF Medical Advisor, presented on Psychopharmacological Treatments of Chronic Complex Illness.
Beyond the educational sessions, the ILADS conference provided valuable networking opportunities. CEHF representatives connected with researchers, clinicians, and advocates from around the world who share a passion for advancing tick-borne disease research and patient care.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 ILADS Conference was both educational and inspiring. CEHF left feeling energized and motivated to continue supporting scientific research and public education that move the understanding of Morgellons forward.
Together—with researchers like Samantha Rice, institutions like OSU, and the broader Lyme and Morgellons communities—we are building the scientific foundation for recognition, validation, and hope.
