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Intestinal spirochetosis mimicking inflammatory bowel disease in children

Rossana Helbling1, Maria-Chiara Osterheld, Bernard Vaudaux

  • 1Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Rue du Bugnon 46, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.

BMC Pediatrics
|October 17, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intestinal spirochetosis, a rare pediatric infection, presents diagnostic challenges. Early suspicion and multiple colonic biopsies are crucial for identifying this condition, often missed during standard endoscopy.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Intestinal spirochetosis is an uncommon enteric infection in children with uncertain clinical significance.
  • First described in 1967, its human presence has been known since the late 1800s.

Observation:

  • This report details a single pediatric case of intestinal spirochetosis.
  • A comprehensive literature review on the topic was conducted.

Findings:

  • The study highlights the importance of considering intestinal spirochetosis in pediatric patients with unexplained abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, or hematochezia.
  • Normal endoscopic findings can be misleading, underscoring the need for extensive colonic biopsies.

Implications:

  • Increased clinical suspicion is vital for diagnosing intestinal spirochetosis in children.
  • Multiple biopsies are essential for accurate diagnosis, especially when initial endoscopic examination is unremarkable.

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