Factors contributing to spontaneous Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques
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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Analysis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-specific CD8+ T-cells in Rhesus Macaques by Peptide-MHC-I Tetramer Staining
Published on: December 23, 2016
Inderpal Singh1, Wenjun Li, Margo Woods
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Science, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, USA.
Background:
A cohort of SIV-infected macaques had been used to investigate the effect of dietary supplement, immune status, SIV/AIDS disease progression and serum micronutrients levels on spontaneous acquisition of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in SIV-infected macaques.
Methods:
Twenty-four SIV-infected macaques were randomized into 2 groups. One group received a vitamin/mineral supplementation and a second group received a placebo. Both groups were examined for E. bieneusi infection.
Results:
SIV-infected macaques were more prone to acquire E. bieneusi with the progression of SIV/AIDS, and the increased shedding of infectious spores was directly associated with decreased CD4 lymphocyte and increased circulating SIV, in both supplemented and unsupplemented groups of animals. Dietary supplementation, body composition factors and serum micronutrients levels however had no association with the acquisition of E. bieneusi infection in these animals.
Conclusions:
Acquisition of E. bieneusi infection is related to SIV disease progression, CD4 counts and viral load but independent of changes in body composition and serum micronutrient levels.
Insights
Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in SIV-infected macaques is linked to disease progression and lower CD4 counts. Dietary supplements and micronutrients did not affect E. bieneusi acquisition in this study.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in macaques serves as a model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an opportunistic pathogen that can infect immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of dietary supplementation, immune status, SIV/AIDS progression, and serum micronutrient levels on the spontaneous acquisition of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in SIV-infected macaques.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four SIV-infected macaques were divided into two groups: one receiving vitamin/mineral supplementation and the other a placebo.
- Both groups were monitored for the presence and shedding of E. bieneusi infection.
Main Results:
- E. bieneusi infection acquisition and spore shedding increased with SIV/AIDS progression.
- Decreased CD4 lymphocyte counts and increased circulating SIV were associated with higher E. bieneusi shedding.
- Dietary supplementation, body composition, and serum micronutrient levels showed no association with E. bieneusi acquisition.
Conclusions:
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection acquisition in SIV-infected macaques is primarily associated with SIV disease progression, CD4 counts, and viral load.
- Immune status, specifically CD4 cell count and viral load, are key factors in E. bieneusi susceptibility.
- Body composition and serum micronutrient levels do not appear to influence E. bieneusi acquisition in this model.
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