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Drug treatment of microsporidiosis
Sylvia F. Costa1, Louis M. Weiss
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
Abstract:
Microsporidia are ubiquitous organisms that are emerging pathogens in humans. These are most likely zoonotic and/or waterborne infections. In the immunosuppressed host, such as those treated with immunosuppressive drugs or infected with human immunodeficiency virus particularly at advanced stages of the disease, microsporidia can produce a wide range of clinical diseases. The most common manifestation is gastrointestinal tract infection; however, encephalitis, ocular infection, sinusitis, myositis and disseminated infection have also been described. In addition, these organisms have been reported in immune competent individuals. Multiple genera are involved in these infections and different organisms can result in distinct clinical pictures. Differences in clinical and parasitologic response to various therapeutic agents have emerged from clinical, as well as in vitro and in vivo studies. Currently there are no precisely defined guidelines for the optimal treatment of microsporidial infections. This article reviews the available data on compounds with in vitro activity and/or in vivo efficacy for microsporidial infections. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
Insights
Microsporidia are emerging pathogens causing diverse diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This review examines current data on compounds effective against microsporidial infections, highlighting the need for treatment guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia are ubiquitous opportunistic pathogens.
- Infections are often zoonotic or waterborne, posing risks to both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals.
- Clinical manifestations range from gastrointestinal issues to systemic infections like encephalitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available data on therapeutic compounds for microsporidial infections.
- To highlight the varying clinical and parasitologic responses to treatments.
- To address the current lack of defined treatment guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on compounds with in vitro activity.
- Analysis of in vivo efficacy studies.
- Compilation of clinical data on treatment responses.
Main Results:
- Multiple microsporidia genera cause distinct clinical pictures.
- Varied responses to therapeutic agents necessitate further research.
- Data on compound efficacy is available but not yet consolidated into guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Optimal treatment strategies for microsporidial infections are not yet established.
- Further research into effective therapeutic agents is crucial.
- Development of precise treatment guidelines is needed to manage these emerging infections.