title: [Human intestinal spirochetosis: clinical series and literature review].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human intestinal spirochetosis (HIE) is defined as colonization by spirochetes of the large intestine. Is associated with chronic diarrhea. The incidence and prevalence ranges from 0.4% to 12%.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of HIE in the Salvador's Hospital, between 2003 and 2008 in patients with a history of chronic diarrhea and without abnormalities in colonoscopy, in 2 separate groups: patients with and without a history of HIV infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective morphology evaluation of the large bowel endoscopic biopsies to the selected groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We reviewed 115 biopsies, 98 were from HIV-negative and 17 HIV from positive patients. Two cases of intestinal spirochetosis were detected, both HIV negative, with a prevalence of 1.7%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of HIE is similar to that reported in Western countries. Population studies are needed to determine the real epidemiological impact in our environment.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital del Salvador, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lozano
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Arellano
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yaquich
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017400:Brachyspira; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005840:Gentian Violet; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010619:Phenazines; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D005840:Gentian Violet