MICROSPORIDIAL DISEASE IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS - A REPORT OF 42 PATIENTS AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Microsporidiosis is recognized as an increasingly important infection, particularly in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infe ction. In this retrospective study we have reviewed the clinical featu res, laboratory findings and management of 42 HIV positive patients co -infected with microsporidia. All patients had spores identified in fa eces stained with a modified trichome blue stain. Patients were all ma rkedly immunosuppressed (median CD4 20 cells/mu l). Common symptoms in cluded weight loss, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, anorexia and nausea. 29 patients were diagnosed with Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection; 13 we re infected with Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and disseminated diseas e was confirmed in 8. Albendazole therapy in patients with E. intestin alis (but not E. biencusi) resulted in good clinical response.