[Microsporida infections in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed subjects]

Parasites of the phylum Microspora are obligatory intracellular protoza with a widespread host range among invertebrates and vertebrates. Species from Nosema, Encephalitozoon, Enterocytozoon and Pleistophora genera can infect immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. The emergency of the AIDS epidemic has recently highlighted the role of these parasites in human pathology, microsporidian species being a frequent cause of diarrhoea and ocular infections. Recent acquisitions in the taxonomy and life cycle of this parasite group, as well as pathogenesis, immunopathology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, therapy and epidemiology of human microsporidiosis are reviewed and discussed.