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In vitro cultivation of microsporidia of clinical importance

Govinda S Visvesvara1

  • 1Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, USA. gsvl@cdc.gov

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|July 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Culturing microsporidia, including human pathogens like Encephalitozoon cuniculi, has advanced significantly. This review details methods for in vitro microsporidia culture, crucial for studying these opportunistic infections.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Early microsporidia research focused on insect pathogens.
  • The in vitro cultivation of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in 1969 marked a turning point.
  • Identification of microsporidia as human pathogens increased research interest.

Observation:

  • Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites.
  • In vitro culture requires specific cell lines, media, and conditions.
  • Various microsporidia species causing human disease can be cultured.

Findings:

  • Methodologies for in vitro microsporidia culture have been established.
  • Successful cultivation includes species like Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. hellem, E. intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi.
  • Key factors for successful culture include appropriate cell lines, culture media, and controlled environmental conditions.

Implications:

  • In vitro culture facilitates detailed study of microsporidia biology and pathogenesis.
  • Advances in cultivation support the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding microsporidia in vitro is vital for managing human infections.

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