MICROSPORIDIOSIS

SYMPTOMS

The infections brought by microsporidia may differ according to:

• The immunity of the patient; and
• The components of the parasite.

In patients with normal immunity, they may feel no symptoms of the infection caused by microsporidia.

Moreover, for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (like AIDS), the symptoms may include punctate keratoconjunctivitis, chronic diarrhea, hepatitis, malabsorption, cholangitis, peritonitis, sinusitis, myositis, and wasting. Also, the patient may also experience gallbladder and kidney infections. 

DIAGNOSIS

The microsporidian is diagnosed through the following examination:

• Polymerase chain reaction
• Immunofluorescence assays
• Electron microscopy with special stains
• Transmission electron microscopy
• Molecular methods

The affected organisms are determined by urine, corneal scrapings, stool, CSF, and biopsy. The parasite can be seen clearly using a special staining technique like fluorochromes, which can distinguish the spores in a certain tissue. 

TREATMENT

The treatment may include the following:

• Antiretroviral therapy. This treatment is used when the patient has AIDS; it manages the spread of the infection through the patient’s body with multiple antiretroviral drugs. However, patients may experience some adverse effects with this treatment. But if their body and system will adapt, the adverse effect may disappear.
• Oral albendazole. It is often prescribed to those patients with disseminated or gastrointestinal microsporidiosis. The physicians sometimes prescribe fumagillin according to what species were infected.
• Antimicrobial treatment. This kind of treatment relies on the status of the patient’s immune system and the organs that are affected by the infection. The data of this treatment is not enough so proper consultation and prescription is needed. 

Furthermore, the treatment for microsporidiosis differs depending on the severity of the condition. Hence, consult a doctor before ingesting any medications.