Intestinal spirochetosis

Background

• Caused by Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli
• The organisms commonly colonize the colon, but can also cause an intracellular infection
• Symptomatic disease is more common in patients with HIV

Clinical Manifestations

• Usually asymptomatic colonization
• Symptoms attributed to it include diarrhea and abdominal pain not otherwise explained

Management

• Metronidazole 500 mg p.o. qid for 10 days may be appropriate if symptomatic

Further Reading

• Human intestinal spirochetosis--a review. Ger Med Sci. 2010;8:Doc01. doi: 10.3205/000090