[Human intestinal spirochetosis: clinical series and literature review].

Introduction: 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.

Material And 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%.

Comment: 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.