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Intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV infected patients with chronic diarrhea in Thailand

D Wanachiwanawin1, S Manatsathit, P Lertlaituan

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|April 20, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Microsporidia, opportunistic pathogens, cause intestinal disease in HIV patients. This study found 33.3% of HIV-infected individuals with chronic diarrhea in Thailand had intestinal microsporidiosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens impacting various organs.
  • Intestinal microsporidiosis, caused by Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, is prevalent in AIDS patients with gastrointestinal issues.
  • Data on the frequency of intestinal microsporidiosis in Thailand was previously unavailable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis among HIV-infected individuals experiencing chronic diarrhea in Thailand.
  • To characterize the clinical features associated with intestinal microsporidiosis in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Stool specimens from 66 HIV-infected patients with chronic diarrhea were collected between 1995 and 1996.
  • Samples were examined using Weber's modified trichrome staining.
  • Positive cases were confirmed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Main Results:

  • Microsporidia were detected in 22 out of 66 patients (33.3%).
  • Common clinical symptoms included chronic diarrhea (100%) and weight loss (100%).
  • TEM confirmed Enterocytozoon bieneusi in 18 of the 22 positive cases.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal microsporidiosis is a significant opportunistic infection in HIV-infected individuals with chronic diarrhea in Thailand.
  • Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the predominant species identified.
  • Further research and diagnostic attention are warranted for this condition in Thailand.

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