[Laboratory diagnostics of human microsporidiosis]

There are many techniques available for the identification of microsporidia in clinical specimens. Chromotrope 2R, calcofluor white M2R and FISH technique have all been reported to be useful as selective methods for microsporidia in stool specimens and in body fluids. Microsporidia in histologic tissue preparations have also been visualized with Giemsa, hematoxylin and eosin stain, Brown-Hopps stain or Warthin-Starry staining. Microsporidia can also be identified by using tests for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi such as the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) method and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transmission electron microscopy (EM) is not readily available. PCR testing of clinical specimens may be helpful in diagnosing the infection. The development of molecular techniques carries the promise of greatly increased diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, as well as provide a tool for use in epidemiological studies.