HUMAN MICROSPORIDIOSIS

Microsporidia are ubiquitous parasites, inducing diseases in a large n umber of animals species. They are being detected with increasing freq uency in immunocompromised, in particular in HIV-infected patients. Ma labsorption and chronic diarrhea are the main manifestations of micros poridiosis in AIDS. Diagnosis now mainly relies on direct identificati on of microsporidial spores in stools or urine. Electron microscopy is still the gold standard to establish genus and species identification on the basis of ultrastructural features. Treatment remains essential ly symptomatic, although cure can be obtained with some species.