Sarcocystis myopathy in a patient with HIV-AIDS

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Human Health

Background:

• Sarcocystosis is a zoonotic parasitic infection with both intestinal and muscular manifestations in humans.
• Previously considered rare, human Sarcocystis infections involve complex life cycles with definitive and intermediate hosts.
• Humans can be definitive hosts (Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis suihominis) causing intestinal illness, or intermediate hosts (Sarcocystis nesbitti) causing muscular illness.

Observation:

• Muscular sarcocystosis, often associated with Southeast Asia, presents with symptoms like fever, myalgia, and headache.
• Documented cases of muscular sarcocystosis outside endemic regions are infrequent.
• This study reports a unique case of chronic Sarcocystis myopathy in a patient from sub-Saharan Africa.

Findings:

• The patient presented with chronic Sarcocystis myopathy.
• The patient had well-controlled Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS).
• This case expands the known geographical distribution of Sarcocystis myopathy.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for broader recognition of Sarcocystis myopathy in diverse geographical settings.
• Suggests Sarcocystis infection should be considered in patients with myopathy, particularly in endemic or potentially underreported regions.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering co-infections and host factors like HIV-AIDS in parasitic myopathies.