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Enterocytozoon bieneusi in human and animals, focus on laboratory identification and molecular epidemiology

M Thellier1, J Breton

  • 1Unité INSERM 511, Faculté de Médecine, France. marc.thellier@psl.aphp.fr

Parasite (Paris, France)
|September 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Human microsporidian infections, particularly Enterocytozoon bieneusi, are a growing concern. Genetic analysis reveals significant variation, supporting potential zoonotic transmission of this gastrointestinal parasite.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human microsporidian infections have increased since the AIDS pandemic.
  • Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is the most common cause of human microsporidiosis, leading to gastrointestinal illness.
  • E. bieneusi has been detected in environmental and animal sources, suggesting multiple transmission routes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the diagnosis of E. bieneusi infections.
  • To discuss the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi, highlighting transmission pathways.
  • To explore the genetic diversity of E. bieneusi isolates from various hosts.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on E. bieneusi.
  • Analysis of molecular data, specifically the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene.
  • Epidemiological data from human, animal, and environmental E. bieneusi isolates.

Main Results:

  • E. bieneusi is a significant human pathogen, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Genetic variability within the ITS region of E. bieneusi suggests interspecies transmission.
  • Environmental and animal reservoirs indicate potential for waterborne, foodborne, and zoonotic transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis of E. bieneusi is crucial for patient management.
  • The zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi warrants further investigation and public health measures.
  • Understanding E. bieneusi transmission dynamics is essential for preventing infections.

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