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Corneal microsporidioses: characterization and identification
A Cali1, D M Meisler, C Y Lowder
1Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102.
Abstract:
Two ocular infectious disorders attributed to Microsporidia have been observed. They differ in that one infection involves the corneal stroma leading to corneal ulceration and suppurative keratitis whereas the other infection involves the conjunctival and corneal epithelium. The corneal stromal infection is caused by a binucleated oval spore that is Nosema-like in character. The conjunctival and corneal epithelial infection occurs in HIV-sero-positive individuals and is caused by a spore containing a single nucleus that is a member of the genus Encephalitozoon. Characteristics of these genera and the above-mentioned infections are presented.
Insights
Microsporidia cause two distinct eye infections: stromal keratitis and epithelial keratitis. The former involves a binucleated spore (Nosema-like), while the latter affects HIV-positive individuals and involves a single-nucleus spore (Encephalitozoon).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens causing various infections.
- Ocular infections by Microsporidia present distinct clinical manifestations.
- Two primary forms of Microsporidia-induced ocular disease are recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between two types of Microsporidia ocular infections.
- To describe the causative agents and clinical features of each infection.
- To highlight the etiological agents and their characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and etiological agent characterization.
- Microscopic examination of spores for morphological differences (nucleus number, shape).
- Correlation of infection type with host immune status (e.g., HIV-seropositivity).
Main Results:
- One infection affects the corneal stroma, causing ulceration and suppurative keratitis, linked to a binucleated, Nosema-like spore.
- The second infection involves conjunctival and corneal epithelium, primarily in HIV-seropositive individuals, caused by a mononucleated spore of the genus Encephalitozoon.
- Distinct morphological characteristics of spores correlate with specific clinical presentations.
Conclusions:
- Microsporidia infections of the eye are diverse, with distinct clinical and etiological profiles.
- Accurate identification of Microsporidia species is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management of ocular infections.
- Understanding the differences between Nosema-like and Encephalitozoon infections aids in clinical decision-making.