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[Spirochetes on the mucous membrane of the intestine]
Abstract:
Recently, it has been discovered that the mucosa of the large intestine and that of the appendix in man and in monkeys not infrequently is covered densely with spirochetes penetrated therein. These observations were confirmed by the material studied by the authors (specimens of the mucosa of the sigmoid flexture of 45 people, the specimens being obtained by means of aspiration biopsy, and the intestines of five monkeys). It was also established that spirochetes may also densely penetrate, covering almost entirely, into the inner surface of the large intestine, as if substituting by themselves for mircovilli of the epithelial cells. Such parasitism, however, does not produce any local reaction, and apparently, inflicts no special harm.
Insights
Spirochetes were found to densely cover the large intestine and appendix mucosa in humans and monkeys. This extensive colonization appears to be harmless, with no observed local reaction or damage to epithelial cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Human and Primate Anatomy
Context:
- Recent research indicates a significant presence of spirochetes within the gastrointestinal tract.
- The large intestine and appendix mucosa are frequently colonized by these bacteria.
Purpose:
- To investigate the extent and nature of spirochete colonization in the large intestine and appendix.
- To determine the host response, if any, to dense spirochete populations.
Summary:
- Spirochetes were observed to densely cover the mucosa of the large intestine and appendix in both humans and monkeys.
- Aspiration biopsies of human sigmoid colon and monkey intestines confirmed extensive spirochete penetration.
- These bacteria can almost entirely cover the inner intestinal surface, mimicking microvilli, without eliciting local reactions or apparent harm.
Impact:
- This finding challenges previous understandings of the human gut microbiome and host-microbe interactions.
- It suggests a potentially commensal or even beneficial role for certain spirochetes in the large intestine.
- Further research is warranted to explore the specific mechanisms and implications of this spirochete-host relationship.