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Intestinal microsporidiosis occurring in two renal transplant recipients treated with mycophenolate mofetil

A Guerard1, M Rabodonirina, L Cotte

  • 1Service de Transplantation Rénale et Immunologie Clinique, Hôpital - Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France.

Transplantation
|October 3, 1999
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intestinal microsporidiosis, an opportunistic infection, can occur in renal transplant recipients. Early detection and withdrawal of immunosuppressants like mycophenolate mofetil can lead to recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Intestinal microsporidiosis is a known opportunistic infection in human immunodeficiency virus patients.
  • Its occurrence in organ transplant recipients is rare, with limited documented cases.

Observation:

  • Two renal transplant recipients presented with chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed by identifying Enterocytozoon bieneusi spores in stool samples via polymerase chain reaction.

Findings:

  • The infection onset was linked to increased immunosuppression following the replacement of azathioprine with mycophenolate mofetil.
  • Clinical recovery was achieved by discontinuing mycophenolate mofetil, indicating its role in the infection's development.

Implications:

  • The incidence of microsporidiosis may rise in transplant recipients due to potent immunosuppressive therapies.
  • A systematic stool examination for microsporidian spores is recommended for unexplained diarrhea in this patient population.

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