MEDICAL PARASITOLOGY & ENTOMOLOGY LECTURER: SR. NORAZSIDA RAMLI

INTESTINAL MICROSPORIDIA

Microsporidium Produce spores which r tiny and difficult to identify using conventional microscopic technique. Spores contain polar tubules, which act as extrusion mechanisms to introduce spore contents into the new host cell. Cause an opportunistic infections found in immunocompromised individuals, especially in AIDS patients. Five genera have been reported : Encephalitozoon, Pleistophora, Enterocytozoon, Nosema and Microsporidia.

Classification based on: size of the spores, configuration of the nuclei in the spores, and the number of polar tubule coils within the spore, gene sequences. Spore : 1.5-4.0µm, contain polar tubules, which are the extrusion mechanisms for delivery of sporoplasm to the host.

Life cycle

Transmission Oppotunistic parasites in AIDS patients. Transmitted by person to person, or animal to animal contact. Infection may result from ingestion or inhalation of spores from the environment or from animals (zoonotic transmission).

Pathogenesis Many gastrointestinal infections with this parasite have been reported in HIV-infected patients. Symptoms: -intractible diarrhea -fever -weight loss -nausea -anorexia

Laboratory diagnosis Microscopy examination Histological staining methods PCR

Treatment No acceptable therapy exists for most microsporidian infections. Albendazole Metronidazole

Prevention No specific recommendation exist. Practice good personal hygiene. Careful infection control practices.