ENTEROCYTOZOON-BIENEUSI AS A CAUSE OF CHRONIC DIARRHEA IN A HEART-LUNG TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT WHO WAS SERONEGATIVE FOR HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a major cause of chronic diarrhea and malab sorption in patients with AIDS, We report what we believe is the first case of intestinal infection due to E. bieneusi In a heart-lung trans plant recipient who was seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The clinical presentation and the evolution of the disease were identical to those usually observed in patients with AIDS and include d diarrhea, massive weight loss, and persistent infection despite trea tment with albendazole. E. bieneusi was identified in the patient's du odenal mucosa by electron microscopy, No other etiologic agent was det ected. We conclude that E. bieneusi may be responsible for serious int estinal infections in patients whose immunosuppression is not related to HIV.