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In two patients presenting with mild intestinal symptoms, rectal spirochaetosis was the only morphological abnormality diagnosed by light microscopy. A re-evaluation of the morphological changes using electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry showed certain unusual features: the microorganisms were observed within epithelial cells and in subepithelial macrophages; there were numerous partially degranulated intraepithelial mast cells; and there was a marked increase in the proportion of IgE plasma cells within the lamina propria. Mucosal penetration by the organisms may be responsible for the unusual immune response. In one patient, treatment with antibiotics eliminated the spirochaetes and resulted in a clinical improvement. Spirochaetes should not always be considered as harmless commensals in the colon.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/gut.28.5.588

Type

Journal article

Journal

Gut

Publication Date

05/1987

Volume

28

Pages

588 - 593

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Epithelium, Female, Humans, Immunoglobulin E, Mast Cells, Microscopy, Electron, Plasma Cells, Rectal Diseases, Rectum, Spirochaetales Infections