Human microsporidial infection and possible animal sources

Sources of human microsporidial infection remain speculative, but possible animal reservoirs are emerging. Of the common human microsporidial infectio ns, Enterocytozoon bieneusi has now been identified in non-human primates, pigs, dogs and a cat; Encephalitozoon intestinalis in dogs, pigs, cows, goa ts and donkeys and Encephalitozoon hellem in budgerigars and parrots. Evide nce of species heterogeneity is also emerging suggesting that some animal i solates mal, be distinctive. Further molecular epidemiological studies need to be undertaken to clarify which animal genotypes can also infect humans. Some of the less common microsporidial infections found in humans, such as those involving Pleistophora-like species, may be the result of infrequent accidental exposure (for example, inadequately cooked infected fish muscle ) and establishment, particularly if the individual is severely immunocompr omised. Curr Opin Infect Dis 12:473-480. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wil kins.