Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
[Colorectal spirochetosis, a possible but unusual cause of chronic diarrhea?]
Introduction:
Human intestinal spirochetosis has been known since the end of the nineteenth century.
Observation:
We report one case of intestinal spirochetosis revealed by chronic diarrhoea and diagnosed on colonic biopsies. The chronic diarrhoea disappeared with antibiotherapy.
Commentaries:
The prevalence of intestinal spirochetosis in rectal and colonic biopsies, among patients with digestive disorders, varies in occidental countries from 2% to 7%. Presently, the pathogenic role of intestinal spirochetosis is controversial.
Insights
Human intestinal spirochetosis, a condition known since the late 1800s, can cause chronic diarrhea. Treatment with antibiotics resolved symptoms in one observed case, though its overall role in digestive disorders remains debated.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human intestinal spirochetosis has been recognized for over a century.
- Its prevalence in Western countries, based on biopsies, ranges from 2% to 7% in patients with digestive issues.
- The exact pathogenic role of intestinal spirochetosis is currently under scientific debate.
Observation:
- A case of HIS presenting as chronic diarrhea is detailed.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through colonic biopsies.
- The patient's chronic diarrhea resolved following antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- Antibiotic treatment was effective in resolving chronic diarrhea associated with intestinal spirochetosis in the presented case.
- The pathogenic role of intestinal spirochetosis in digestive disorders is currently under scientific discussion.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential efficacy of antibiotherapy for symptomatic intestinal spirochetosis.
- Further research is warranted to clarify the controversial pathogenic role of HIS in various gastrointestinal conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Giardiasis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

