Intestinal spirochaetosis

Intestinal spirochetosis

“…First acknowledged by van Leeuvenhoek in the 17th century, and described in 1967 by Harland and Lee, as cited in literature 3 , the intestinal spirochetosis is defined as the colonization of the colon mucosal and the appendix apical membrane by gram-negative bacteria of the Spirochaetaceae family, usually Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli [3][4][5][6] . The genders Leptospira and Treponema, in the same family, have histological similarities, but important differences concerning DNA and RNA 3 .…”

“…The microorganism spreads by the fecal-oral route, and colonization depends on sanitation, diet, behavior and immunological status. Chronic fecal stasis also favors multiplication 3,4 . Fecal colonization with spirochaeta, however, is not common 3,5 in the population, and its incidence ranges from 1% in developed countries to 34% in the developing countries, affecting up to 62.5% of men who have intercourse with HIV positive men 3,5 .…”

“…The method of choice for diagnosis is the colorectal mucosa biopsy 4 . The colonoscopic appearance varies from normal to moderate edema, erythema, erosions or small ulcers 4 .…”

“…The method of choice for diagnosis is the colorectal mucosa biopsy 4 . The colonoscopic appearance varies from normal to moderate edema, erythema, erosions or small ulcers 4 . Hematoxylin eosin staining shows a thick layer or basophilic organisms covering the mucous surface, thus generating a false brush border 3 .…”

“…Colonization is not associated with a significant inflammation. Microorganisms can be revealed by using the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Giemsa, Crocotts and silver 4 . Immunohistochemical tests with anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies, which present a cross reaction with Brachyspira spp, have been used to identify the agent 7 .…”