Intestinal spirochetosis due to Brachyspira pilosicoli: endoscopic and radiographic features

J Gastroenterol. 2007 Mar;42(3):253-6. doi: 10.1007/s00535-006-1988-6. Epub 2007 Mar 30.

Abstract

We report a 31-year-old patient with intestinal spirochetosis. Colonoscopy revealed edematous mucosa with multiple erythematous spots in the proximal colon. Barium enema examination demonstrated marked edema with luminal narrowing and thumb-printing predominantly in the ascending colon. Numerous spirochetes were detected by histological examinations of biopsy specimens. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA showed the organisms to be Brachyspira pilosicoli.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Colon / microbiology
  • Colon / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Spirochaetales Infections / diagnosis*
  • Spirochaetales Infections / drug therapy
  • Spirochaetales Infections / pathology

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Metronidazole