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Spore shedding pattern of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in asymptomatic children

Mathirut Mungthin1, Ittisak Subrungruang1, Tawee Naaglor1

  • 1Department of Parasitology1 and Department of Military and Community Medicine3, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, 315 Ratchawithi Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand 2Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|April 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Asymptomatic Enterocytozoon bieneusi infections in children show variable spore shedding. Higher sensitivity detection methods are recommended over light microscopy for accurate diagnosis and infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • Asymptomatic infections can contribute to transmission.
  • Accurate detection of E. bieneusi is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify spore shedding in children with asymptomatic E. bieneusi infections.
  • To compare the sensitivity of light microscopy and PCR for E. bieneusi detection.
  • To assess the potential for transmission from asymptomatic individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Stool samples from HIV-negative and HIV-positive children were collected daily.
  • Spore shedding was quantified using Gram-chromotrope staining and light microscopy.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect E. bieneusi DNA.

Main Results:

  • Spore shedding intensity and pattern were variable among children.
  • Mean spore concentrations ranged from 2.4 x 10(2) to 1.2 x 10(5) spores/gram.
  • PCR detected E. bieneusi for 3-40 days longer than light microscopy, indicating lower sensitivity of the latter.

Conclusions:

  • Light microscopy may fail to detect low-level E. bieneusi spore shedding.
  • Asymptomatic children are a potential source of E. bieneusi infection.
  • More sensitive detection methods are needed for accurate diagnosis and management.

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