Microsporidiosis overview
|
Microsporidiosis Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Microsporidiosis overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Microsporidiosis overview |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Microsporidiosis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]
Overview
Microspridiosis is an opportunistic intestinal infection that causes diarrhea and wasting in immunocompromised individuals (HIV, for example). It results from different species of microsporidia, a group of protozoal parasites. In HIV infected individuals, microsporidiosis generally occurs when CD4+ T cell counts fall below 100.
Historical Perspective
Phylum microsporidia was first described in the 19th century while the first human case was described in 1959. The number of cases increased after the spread of AIDS.
Classification
There is no classification system established for Microsporidiosis.
Pathophysiology
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasitic fungi with more than 1,200 species belonging to 143 genera that infect a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. They are characterized by the production of resistant spores that vary in size, depending on the species.
Causes
Microsporidiosis is caused by an infection with microsporidia.
Differentiating Hemorrhoids from other Diseases
Microsporidiosis should be differentiated from other conditions that cause chronic diarrhea in immunocompromised patients.
Epidemiology and Demographics
The case-fatality rate of intestinal microsporidiosis is approximately 56% among HIV patients. The disease is present allover the world.
Risk Factors
The most potent risk factor in the development of microsporidiosis is immunodeficiency. Other risk factors among immunodeficient patients include poor sanitation and contact with poultry droppings.[1][2]
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
If left untreated, immunocompetent patients resolve completely within 2 weeks while immunocompromised patients might develop chronic diarrhea. Common complications of microsporidiosis include weight loss, dehydration, and acalculous cholecystitis. Prognosis is generally excellent in immunocompetent patients while immunocompromised patients are more vulnerable to developing chronic disease and complications.
History and Symptoms
Symptoms of intestinal microsporidiosis include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Physical Examination
Patients with microsporidiosis usually appear ill. Physical examination of patients with microsporidiosis is usually remarkable for weight loss, wasting and abdominal tenderness.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of microsporidiosis include microscopic identification of the organism in fecal smears, positive PCR, and positive serology.
Imaging Findings
There are no imaging findings associated with microsporidiosis.
Medical Therapy
The mainstay of therapy for microsporidiosis in immunocompromised patients is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
Surgery
Surgical intervention is not recommended in the management of microsporidiosis.
Prevention
References
- ↑ Didier ES, Weiss LM (2006). "Microsporidiosis: current status". Curr Opin Infect Dis. 19 (5): 485–92. doi:10.1097/01.qco.0000244055.46382.23. PMC 3109650. PMID 16940873.
- ↑ Anuar TS, Bakar NH, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Moktar N, Osman E (2016). "PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR ASYMPTOMATIC INTESTINAL MICROSPORIDIOSIS AMONG ABORIGINAL SCHOOL CHILDREN IN PAHANG, MALAYSIA". Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 47 (3): 441–9. PMID 27405127.