Microsporidiosis

MRSA Slideshow

Medical Author: Steven E. Doerr, MD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• What is microsporidiosis? What causes the disease?
• How are microsporidia transmitted?
• What symptoms does microsporidiosis cause?
• How is microsporidiosis diagnosed?
• How is microsporidiosis treated?
• How is microsporidiosis prevented?
• Microsporidiosis At A Glance

What is microsporidiosis? What causes the disease?

Microsporidiosis is a disease caused by infection with microscopic organisms called microsporidia. Microsporidia are eukaryotic parasites that must live within other host cells in which they can produce infective spores. These spores cause microsporidiosis, a disease which is primarily seen in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Microsporidiosis can cause infection of the intestine, lung, kidney, brain, sinuses, muscles, and eyes. Although there are over 1,200 species of microsporidia, the most prevalent pathogens (disease-causing agents) in humans include Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and Encephalitozoon intestinalis.

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