Workup of gastrointestinal microsporidiosis

Digestive Diseases
C N ConteasO G Berlin

Abstract

Microsporidia, which are members of the phylum Microspora, are increasingly recognized as causing opportunistic infections in persons with immunodeficiency (e.g., AIDS). Diarrhea is the predominant clinical sign associated with infections by two Microsporidia, namely Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (which was formerly named Septata intestinalis). Prevalence rates of microsporidiosis in persons with AIDS and chronic diarrhea range fron 7 to 50%. Transmission electron microscopy has been the gold standard by which to diagnose microsporidiosis and requires observing a polar filament which is the structure distinguishing Microsporidia from other organisms. Transmission electron microscopy is difficult, time-consuming, costly, relatively insensitive, and requires a great deal of expertise. As such, histochemical methods have been developed and improved for detecting Microsporidia. Diagnoses from stool specimens or enteric fluids can be made using the chitin-staining fluorochromes (e.g., Calcofluor White) and the modified trichrome stain which are highly sensitive, particularly when both are used. Immunofluorescent antibody staining methods are being developed to improve specificity, but reagents are not yet ...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 30, 2000·The American Journal of Gastroenterology·O G BerlinJ B Peter
Aug 23, 2006·Journal of Veterinary Medicine. A, Physiology, Pathology, Clinical Medicine·R HerichM Levkut
Oct 12, 2010·Clinical Microbiology Reviews·J L N BarrattD Stark
Jun 24, 2006·BMC Clinical Pathology·Joveeta JosephSavitri Sharma
Sep 28, 2000·The American Journal of Gastroenterology·R A SheikhB H Ruebner
Jul 5, 2007·Journal of Clinical Microbiology·Stephenson W NkininEdna S Kaneshiro

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.