Intestinal microsporidiosis. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Intestinal microsporidiosis.

Semin Gastrointest Dis. 1997 Jan;8(1):45-55. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97153211
Croft SL; Williams J; McGowan I; Department of Medical Parasitology, London School of Hygiene and; Tropical Medicine, UK.

Abstract: Intestinal microsporidiosis is caused by the protozoan parasites Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. The disease has been described within the past decade and is found predominantly in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in association with diarrhea. There have been rare reports of infections in immunocompetent patients. Both species of microsporidia invade and multiply within the enterocytes of the small intestine; Encephalitozoon intestinalis also causes a disseminated infection. Electron microscopy has been the mainstay of diagnosis, but improved noninvasive methods of detecting spores in feces are in development. The biology and pathogenicity of the parasites and the pathology and treatment of the disease are poorly understood.
Keywords: *AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/DIAGNOSIS *Encephalitozoon/ISOLATION & PURIF *Encephalitozoonosis/DIAGNOSIS *Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/DIAGNOSIS *Microspora Infections/DIAGNOSIS *Microsporida/ISOLATION & PURIFKWDaids-relatedopportunisticinfections/diagnosisKWDencephalitozoon/isolation&purifKWDencephalitozoonosis/diagnosisKWDintestinaldiseases,parasitic/diagnosisKWDmicrosporainfections/diagnosisKWDmicrosporida/isolation&purif
970630
M9761196

Copyright © 1997 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .