Intestinal spirochetosis mimicking inflammatory bowel disease in children

BMC Pediatr. 2012 Oct 16:12:163. doi: 10.1186/1471-2431-12-163.

Abstract

Background: Intestinal spirochetosis is an unusual infection in children and its clinical significance in humans is uncertain. The presence of these microorganisms in humans is well-known since the late 1800's and was first described in 1967 by Harland and Lee by electron microscopy.

Case presentation: This article reports the findings of one pediatric case, review of the current literature, and an overview of therapeutic options.

Conclusion: A high degree of suspicion is required in cases presenting with abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea and/or hematochezia associated with a normal endoscopic examination, thus emphasizing the importance of multiple biopsies throughout the colon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Intestinal Diseases / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Spirochaetales Infections / diagnosis*