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[Microsporidium spp. infection in an immunocompromised child diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction]

Selma Usluca1, Umit Aksoy

  • 1Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Parazitoloji Anabilim Dalı, İzmir, Türkiye. selmausluca@yahoo.com

Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni
|November 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Microsporidium species can cause various infections in immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights the importance of testing for Microsporidium in diarrhea patients with immune deficiencies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Microsporidium species are opportunistic pathogens causing diverse clinical manifestations, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
  • This report details a case of diarrhea in a pediatric patient with myotonic dystrophy and recurrent infections, indicating an underlying immune deficiency.

Observation:

  • A four-year-old male with myotonic dystrophy presented with respiratory distress and fever, later developing high fever and watery diarrhea.
  • Laboratory investigations revealed low immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, suggesting humoral immunodeficiency.
  • Stool cultures initially identified Shigella species, prompting ciprofloxacin treatment, but subsequent examination revealed Microsporidium species.

Findings:

  • Microscopic examination of stool confirmed Microsporidium species, leading to the addition of albendazole to the treatment regimen.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed Microsporidium species and identified Encephalitozoon intestinalis.
  • The patient's diarrhea was attributed to Microsporidium infection, underscoring the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches.

Implications:

  • This case emphasizes the critical need to include Microsporidium testing in the diagnostic workup for diarrhea in immunocompromised patients.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis of Microsporidium infections is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
  • Routine parasitological examinations should be supplemented with specific tests for Microsporidium in at-risk populations.

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