Disseminated microsporidiosis in a pancreas/kidney transplant recipient

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Transplantation Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Human microsporidiosis is typically observed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Cases in solid organ transplant recipients are rare, with only 11 previously reported.
• This study focuses on a unique case in a pancreas/kidney transplant recipient.

Observation:

• A pancreas/kidney transplant recipient developed a disseminated infection.
• Microsporidian spores, identified as Encephalitozoon species, were found in multiple organs.
• The infection was diagnosed postmortem via stained tissue sections and electron microscopy.

Findings:

• This is the first documented case of microsporidiosis in a pancreas/kidney transplant recipient with multi-organ system dissemination.
• Encephalitozoon species were identified as the causative agent.
• Suspected leakage from the duodenal anastomosis to the bladder may have facilitated infection spread.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of microsporidiosis in immunocompromised individuals.
• It underscores the importance of considering rare infections in transplant recipients.
• Diagnostic challenges and potential routes of transmission warrant further investigation.