Microsporidiosis in mammals

Microsporidia are small, single-celled, obligately intracellular parasites that have caused significant agricultural losses and interference with biom edical research. Interest in the microsporidia is growing, as these organis ms are recognized as agents of opportunistic infections in persons with AID S and in organ transplant recipients. Microsporidiosis is also being recogn ized in children and travelers, and furthermore, concern exists about the p otential of zoonotic and waterborne transmission of microsporidia to humans . This article reviews the basic biology and epidemiology of microsporidios is in mammals. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.