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AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses Jan 2013Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has altered both the epidemiology and outcome of enteric opportunistic parasitic infections. This study was done to...
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has altered both the epidemiology and outcome of enteric opportunistic parasitic infections. This study was done to determine the prevalence and species/genotypes of intestinal coccidian and microsporidial infections among HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhea and/or a history of diarrhea alternately with an asymptomatic interval, and their association with CD4 T cell count. This cross-sectional study was done from May 2010 to May 2011 in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, South of Iran. A blood sample was obtained from HIV-positive patients for a CD4 T cell count upon enrollment. Sociodemographic data and a history of diarrhea were collected by interviewing 356 consecutive participants (273 males and 83 females). Whenever possible more than a fecal sample was collected from all the participants and examined for parasites using direct, physiological saline solution ethyl acetate, an acid-fast trichrome stain, nested polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing techniques for the detection, confirmation, and genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Isospora belli, and intestinal microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi). The most common opportunistic and nonopportunistic pathogens were Cryptosporidium spp. (C. parvum and C. andersoni), E. bieneusi, Giardia lamblia, Sarcocystis spp., and Blastocystis homonis affecting 34, 8, 23, 1, and 14 patients, respectively. C. cayetanensis, I. belli, Enterobius vermicularis, and Hymenolepis nana were observed in few patients. A CD4 count <200 cells/μl was significantly associated with the presence of opportunistic parasites and diarrhea (p<0.05). Opportunistic intestinal parasites should be suspected in any HIV/AIDS patient with chronic diarrhea. Tropical epidemic nonopportunistic enteric parasitic infections among such patients should not be neglected in Iran.
Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Child; Coccidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Cyclospora; Diarrhea; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Female; Genotype; Giardia lamblia; Humans; Iran; Isospora; Male; Microsporidiosis; Middle Aged; Sarcocystis; Young Adult
PubMed: 22873400
DOI: 10.1089/AID.2012.0119 -
FEMS Microbiology Reviews May 2012The microsporidia are a diverse phylum of obligate intracellular parasites related to the fungi that cause significant and sometimes life-threatening disease in... (Review)
Review
The microsporidia are a diverse phylum of obligate intracellular parasites related to the fungi that cause significant and sometimes life-threatening disease in immune-compromised hosts, such as AIDS and organ transplant patients. More recently, their role in causing pathology in immune-competent populations has also been appreciated. Interestingly, in several instances, the microsporidia have been shown to persist in their hosts long term, causing at opposite ends of the spectrum either an intractable chronic diarrhea and wasting in patients with advanced-stage AIDS or asymptomatic shedding of spores in healthy populations. Much remains to be studied regarding the immune response to these pathogens, but it seems clear that CD8+ T cells are essential in clearing infection. However, in the infection models examined thus far, the role for CD4+ T cells is unclear at best. Here, we discuss the possible reasons and ramifications of what may be a weak primary CD4+ T cell response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Given the central role of the CD4+ T cell in other models of adaptive immunity, a better appreciation of its role in responding to microsporidia may provide insight into the survival strategies of these pathogens, which allow them to persist in hosts of varied immune status.
Topics: CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Chronic Disease; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 22126330
DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00318.x -
Microbes and Infection Apr 2001The microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites which have diverse life cycles involving both horizontal and vertical transmission and parasitise a wide range of... (Review)
Review
The microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites which have diverse life cycles involving both horizontal and vertical transmission and parasitise a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. In this paper we consider the life cycles and diversity of the microsporidia. We focus in particular on the relationship between parasite transmission and virulence and its implications for host-parasite coevolution. The use of horizontal and vertical routes of transmission varies between species and there is a strong link between transmission and virulence. Horizontal transmission is characterised by a high parasite burden and associated pathogenicity. In contrast, vertical transmission is characterised by low virulence, which has led to under-reporting of this important transmission route. Vertically transmitted microsporidia may also cause male killing or feminisation of their host, with implications for host population sex ratio and stability. Phylogenetic analysis shows that vertical transmission occurs in diverse branches of the Microspora. We find that there is evidence for vertical transmission in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts and conclude that it is a common or possibly even ubiquitous transmission route within this phylum.
Topics: Animals; Genetic Variation; Host-Parasite Interactions; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Invertebrates; Life Cycle Stages; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Vertebrates; Virulence
PubMed: 11369275
DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(01)01394-6 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2011Microsporidia (Fungi) have been repeatedly identified as the cause of opportunistic infections predominantly in immunodeficient individuals such as AIDS patients....
BACKGROUND
Microsporidia (Fungi) have been repeatedly identified as the cause of opportunistic infections predominantly in immunodeficient individuals such as AIDS patients. However, the global epidemiology of human microsporidiosis is poorly understood and the ability of microsporidia to survive and multiply in immunocompetent hosts remains unsolved.
AIMS
To determine the presence of latent microsporidia infections in apparently healthy humans in the Czech Republic, the authors tested sera, urine and stool originating from fifteen persons within a three month period examined on a weekly basis.
METHODS
Sera, stool and urine samples originating from fifteen HIV-negative people at risk with occupational exposure to animals, aged 22-56 years, living in the Czech Republic were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for the presence of specific anti-microsporidial antibodies, standard Calcofluor M2R staining for the detection of microsporidian spores in all urine sediments and stool smears and molecular methods for the microsporidial species determination.
RESULTS
Specific anti-microsporidial antibodies were detected in fourteen individuals, asymptomatic Encephalitozoon spp. infection was found in thirteen and E. bieneusi infection was detected in seven of those examined. While E. hellem 1A and E. cuniculi II were the major causative agents identified, seven different genotypes of E. bieneusi were recorded.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings clearly show that exposure to microsporidia is common and chronic microsporidiosis is not linked to any clinical manifestation in healthy population. Moreover, our results indicate much higher incidence of microsporidial infections among an apparently healthy population than previously reported. These results open the question about the potential risk of reactivation of latent microsporidiosis in cases of immunosupression causing life-threatening disease.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Antibodies, Fungal; Asymptomatic Diseases; Czech Republic; Encephalitozoon; Feces; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Microscopy; Microsporidiosis; Middle Aged; Mycology; Serum; Spores, Fungal; Staining and Labeling; Urine
PubMed: 21629721
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001162 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science May 2022Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular pathogens with worldwide prevalence, causing emerging infections in humans and animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular pathogens with worldwide prevalence, causing emerging infections in humans and animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic species of microsporidia and is responsible for more than 90% of cases of microsporidiosis in humans and animals. Pigs and wild boars are important animal reservoirs of microsporidia. Hence, we aimed to estimate the global prevalence of microsporidia and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in pigs and wild boars through a set of systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
METHODS
Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2021. Regarding meta-analysis, the random-effect model was employed by forest plot with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
After exclusion of irrelevant articles and duplication removal, 33 papers, including 34 datasets (30 datasets for domestic pigs and 4 for wild boars) finally meet the inclusion criteria to undergo meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rates of microsporidia infection in domestic pigs and wild boars were 37.6% (95% CI: 30.8-44.9%) and 8.1% (95% CI: 2.1-26.8%), respectively. While, the pooled prevalence rates of E. bieneusi were 35% (95% CI: 28.4-42.2%) in domestic pigs and 10.1% (95% CI: 1.7-42.4%) in wild boars. The genotypes EbpA was the most reported genotype in domestic pigs and wild boars. Male animals had higher prevalence rates of microsporidia infection than females (27 vs. 17.4%, OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.77-4.71%).
CONCLUSION
This study indicates the important role of domestic pigs and wild boars as animal reservoir hosts of microsporidia. Thereby, strategies for control and prevention of these zoonotic pathogens should be designed in pigs and wild boars.
Topics: Animals; Enterocytozoon; Female; Male; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Molecular Epidemiology; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 35113502
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.751 -
Comparative Medicine Aug 2011The microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia represents a considerable challenge for laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio) facilities. In 2010, P. neurophilia infections were... (Review)
Review
The microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia represents a considerable challenge for laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio) facilities. In 2010, P. neurophilia infections were diagnosed in zebrafish from 74% of the facilities that submitted fish to the Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC) pathology service, and this organism remains the most commonly diagnosed pathogen in submitted fish. Accordingly, many of the ZIRC pathology service consultations deal with control and prevention of microsporidiosis. Here we describe observations and experiments performed at the ZIRC elucidating aspects of P. neurophilia transmission in zebrafish colonies. We then review current knowledge about P. neurophilia transmission and diagnosis. Considering this information, we present recommendations for control of P. neurophilia in zebrafish facilities.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Animals, Laboratory; DNA Primers; Fish Diseases; Histological Techniques; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Zebrafish
PubMed: 22330247
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Apr 2017
Topics: Animals; Colonic Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Encephalitozoon; Encephalitozoonosis; Lizards; Male
PubMed: 28306490
DOI: 10.2460/javma.250.7.759 -
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 2015Intestinal microsporidiosis, which occurs in immunocompromised states such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, has rarely been studied in patients with renal...
PURPOSE
Intestinal microsporidiosis, which occurs in immunocompromised states such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, has rarely been studied in patients with renal transplantation (RT) on immunosuppressive therapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three hundred and twenty-four consecutive RT recipients on immunosuppressive treatment and 170 healthy subjects were evaluated for intestinal microsporidiosis and other parasites by modified trichrome staining, wet mount using normal saline, iodine and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical, demographic and laboratory parameters associated with occurrence of intestinal microsporidiosis were studied using univariate and multivariate analysis. The species of microsporidia were studied using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Patients were treated with albendazole (400 mg twice daily for 2 weeks).
RESULTS
Of 324 RT recipients initially screened, 52 were excluded from final analysis due to incomplete data. Patients with RT [n=272, age 42±12.54 years, 222 (81.6%) male] more often had microsporidiosis than healthy subjects by modified trichrome stain and PCR [n=170, age 33.8±6.7 years, 123 (72.3%) male] [16/272 (5.8%) vs. 0/170 (0%), P<0.001]. Patients with intestinal microsporidiosis were younger (33.9±8.3 years vs. 42.3±12.6 years; P=0.009), had diarrhoea more often (13/16, 81% vs. 123/256, 48%; P=0.02), which was longer in duration (60, 32.5-105 days vs. 12, 6.2-18 days; P<0.001) and had associated giardiasis (2/16, 12.5% vs. 2/256, 0.8%; P=0.018). Younger age, presence of diarrhoea and associated giardiasis were significant on multivariate analysis. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 15/16 (93%) patients with intestinal microsporidiosis.
CONCLUSION
Intestinal microsporidiosis occurs frequently in patients with RT on immunosuppressive treatment, particularly among younger patients with longer diarrhoea duration and associated giardiasis. E. bieneusi is the major species identified among these patients.
Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Microbiological Techniques; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Middle Aged; Molecular Typing; Mycological Typing Techniques; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 26068335
DOI: 10.4103/0255-0857.158551 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Mar 2015The members of the Microsporidia are single-celled, eukaryotic, obligate intracellular parasites. They infect a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. The... (Review)
Review
The members of the Microsporidia are single-celled, eukaryotic, obligate intracellular parasites. They infect a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. The studies on Microsporidia are of considerable interest because of that they cause desirable and undesirable infections in different animals. That situation requires identification of these organisms correctly. The identification of Microsporidia needs relatively more complex studies. Morphological and ultrastructural studies play important role in the identification of these organisms. In the present study, a working knowledge on the morphological and ultrastructural features of Microsporidia are given.
Topics: Animals; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 25917585
DOI: 10.5152/tpd.2015.3738 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2018Diarrhea caused by opportunistic intestinal protozoa is a common problem in HIV infection. We aimed to establish the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, misrosporidia, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Diarrhea caused by opportunistic intestinal protozoa is a common problem in HIV infection. We aimed to establish the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, misrosporidia, and Isospora in HIV-infected people using a systematic review and meta-analysis, which is central to developing public policy and clinical services.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Embase, Chinese Web of Knowledge, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases for studies reporting Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, or Isospora infection in HIV-infected people. We extracted the numbers of people with HIV and protozoa infection, and estimated the pooled prevalence of parasite infection by a random effects model.
RESULTS
Our research identified 131 studies that reported Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, and Isospora infection in HIV-infected people. We estimated the pooled prevalence to be 14.0% (3283/43,218; 95% CI: 13.0-15.0%) for Cryptosporidium, 11.8% (1090/18,006; 95% CI: 10.1-13.4%) for microsporidia, and 2.5% (788/105,922; 95% CI: 2.1-2.9%) for Isospora. A low prevalence of microsporidia and Isospora infection was found in high-income countries, and a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Isospora infection was found in sub-Saharan Africa. We also detected a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, and Isospora infection in patients with diarrhea. Sensitivity analysis showed that three studies significantly affect the prevalence of Isospora, which was adjusted to 5.0% (469/8570; 95% CI: 4.1-5.9%) by excluding these studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that HIV-infected people have a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, and Isospora infection in low-income countries and patients with diarrhea, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, reinforcing the importance of routine surveillance for opportunistic intestinal protozoa in HIV-infected people.
Topics: Cryptosporidiosis; Diarrhea; Global Health; HIV Infections; Humans; Isosporiasis; Microsporidiosis; Prevalence
PubMed: 29316950
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2558-x