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Intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV-infected children with diarrhea

Darawan Wanachiwanawin1, Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, Punpob Lertlaituan

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

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|September 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal microsporidiosis affects both HIV-infected and uninfected children with diarrhea in Thailand. This opportunistic infection is more prevalent in HIV-infected children and often co-occurs with malnutrition and pneumonia.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Intestinal microsporidiosis is a known opportunistic infection in adult AIDS patients, but data in children, particularly in Thailand, are limited.
  • Diarrhea is a common symptom in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children, with various potential etiologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of intestinal microsporidiosis in hospitalized children with diarrhea.
  • To compare the occurrence of intestinal microsporidiosis between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving hospitalized children with diarrhea.
  • Diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis using microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for species identification.
  • Assessment of coinfections and concurrent diseases, including malnutrition and pneumonia.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis was 25.3% in HIV-infected children and 14.9% in uninfected children.
  • Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified as a causative species.
  • Cryptosporidium parvum coinfection and pneumonia were frequent; malnutrition was significantly higher in HIV-infected children.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal microsporidiosis is a significant cause of diarrhea in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children in Thailand.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering microsporidiosis in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea in pediatric populations, regardless of HIV status.
  • Findings underscore the increased susceptibility and severity of opportunistic infections, including malnutrition, in HIV-infected children.

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