title: Human intestinal spirochetosis accompanied by human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case report.
abstract: We present a middle-aged, heterosexual Japanese man with mixed infections including human intestinal spirochetosis, which led us to the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The patient had syphilis without related physical or neurological findings. An examination for the serum antibody for HIV performed 9 years previously was negative. In a complete medical checkup at the present time, human intestinal spirochetosis and unspecified entamebic cysts were suggested by histological examination of colonic biopsy material and parasitic examination of the intestinal fluid, respectively. Moreover, a serological test for the antibody for HIV was positive. In specimens obtained by colonoscopy, Brachyspira aalborgi was diagnosed by ultrastructural study and the polymerase chain reaction method for bacterial 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid. Although HIV infection remains at low prevalence in Japan, we recommend examination for HIV infection in patients with human intestinal spirochetosis, especially when other co-infections are apparent.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medicine, Japan Self Defense Forces Hospital Yokosuka, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0071, Japan.
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Higashiyama
authors.forename: Sho
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ogata
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Adachi
authors.forename: Junichiro
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nishiyama
authors.forename: Ichiyo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ohara
authors.forename: Meri
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okamura
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsuzaki
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Okusa
authors.forename: Kimiya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: Ryota
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hokari
authors.forename: Soichiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miura
mesh_terms: D017400:Brachyspira / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013145:Spirochaetales Infections / Q000209:etiology*