Spirochetosis of the colon
Warthin Starry stain under oil immersion (100X) showing characteristic spiral shape of organisms. Brachyspira
aalborgi and Serpulina pilosicoli (gram-negative, anaerobic spirochetes) have been named as two of the
offending organisms. The organisms adhere to and embed themselves into the colonic enterocytes at the luminal
surface of the large intestine. The spirochetes are nicely highlighted by silver stains, such as Warthin-Starry.
Contributed by Dr. James Carlsten
1 minute clinical correlation