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Intestinal microsporidiosis
Andrew S Field1, Danny A Milner2
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincent's Hospital, Notre Dame University Medical School, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst 2010, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
|May 26, 2015
Summary
Microsporidia infections affect immunocompromised individuals and are diagnosed via stool exams or microscopy. Genetic sequencing is emerging as a definitive method for identifying new species and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Microsporidia infections primarily impact immunocompromised patients, including those with untreated Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
- Current diagnostic methods include stool examination, small bowel biopsy with special stains, and electron microscopy for speciation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and evolving techniques for microsporidia infections.
- To emphasize the role of genetic sequencing in identifying novel species and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of current diagnostic modalities for microsporidia.
- Discussion of electron microscopy as a definitive speciation tool.
- Exploration of molecular techniques, particularly genetic sequencing, for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Electron microscopy provides definitive speciation but can be limited.
- Genetic sequencing has identified new species, such as Anncaliia algerae.
- Advancements in genetic sequencing offer potential for highly sensitive and high-throughput molecular diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- Genetic sequencing is increasingly crucial for definitive diagnosis of microsporidia, especially for new species.
- Further research into genetic sequencing can lead to improved molecular diagnostic tools.
- Enhanced molecular diagnostics are needed for sensitive and efficient detection of microsporidia pathogens.
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