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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
Pseudospirochaetosis of the urinary bladder
S Chitale1, N Burgess, T H W Barker
1Department of Urology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK. chitalenorwich@aol.com
An unusual microorganism caused bladder pseudospirochaetosis in an elderly patient with urinary symptoms. Ciprofloxacin treatment resolved the symptoms, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Uropathology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Urinary symptoms in elderly patients can stem from various causes.
- Intestinal spirochetosis presents as "blue fuzz" in colonic biopsies.
- Distinguishing between urinary tract infections and other mucosal conditions is crucial.
Observation:
- An elderly patient presented with urinary symptoms.
- The bladder lining (transitional mucosa) showed surface colonization by a unique microorganism.
- This organism resembled the "blue fuzz" associated with intestinal spirochetosis.
Findings:
- Special stains revealed the organism was Gram and Giemsa positive, weakly argyrophilic, and Ziehl-Nielsen negative.
- Immunostains for Helicobacter pylori were negative.
- Electron microscopy showed unusual curved bodies, leading to the classification of bladder pseudospirochaetosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare condition, bladder pseudospirochaetosis, mimicking intestinal spirochetosis.
- Successful treatment with ciprofloxacin suggests antibiotic efficacy.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogen and its clinical significance in urinary tract conditions.
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