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Alternatives in Molecular Diagnostics of Encephalitozoon and Enterocytozoon Infections
Alexandra Valenčáková1, Monika Sučik1
1Department of Biology and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that are currently considered to be most directly aligned with fungi. These fungal-related microbes cause infections in every major group of animals, both vertebrate and invertebrate, and more recently, because of AIDS, they have been identified as significant opportunistic parasites in man. The Microsporidia are ubiquitous parasites in the animal kingdom but, until recently, they have maintained relative anonymity because of the specialized nature of pathology researchers. Diagnosis of microsporidia infection from stool examination is possible and has replaced biopsy as the initial diagnostic procedure in many laboratories. These staining techniques can be difficult, however, due to the small size of the spores. The specific identification of microsporidian species has classically depended on ultrastructural examination. With the cloning of the rRNA genes from the human pathogenic microsporidia it has been possible to apply polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques for the diagnosis of microsporidial infection at the species and genotype level. The absence of genetic techniques for manipulating microsporidia and their complicated diagnosis hampered research. This study should provide basic insights into the development of diagnostics and the pitfalls of molecular identification of these ubiquitous intracellular pathogens that can be integrated into studies aimed at treating or controlling microsporidiosis.
Insights
Microsporidia are fungal-related pathogens infecting animals and humans. This study explores molecular identification methods, like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to improve the diagnosis of microsporidiosis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens, increasingly recognized as opportunistic parasites in humans, particularly those with AIDS.
- These fungal-related microbes infect a wide range of animals and are ubiquitous in the environment.
- Traditional diagnostic methods like stool examination and ultrastructural analysis have limitations due to spore size and complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide insights into developing improved diagnostics for microsporidiosis.
- To identify pitfalls in the molecular identification of Microsporidia species and genotypes.
- To facilitate research aimed at controlling and treating microsporidiosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques for species and genotype level diagnosis.
- Leveraging cloned rRNA genes from human pathogenic microsporidia.
- Addressing challenges in molecular identification due to the absence of genetic manipulation techniques.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the application of PCR for precise microsporidial diagnosis.
- Highlighted challenges and potential pitfalls in molecular identification methods.
- Provided foundational knowledge for diagnostic advancements.
Conclusions:
- Molecular techniques, particularly PCR, offer powerful tools for diagnosing microsporidial infections.
- Further research is needed to overcome limitations in molecular identification and genetic manipulation.
- Improved diagnostics are crucial for managing and controlling microsporidiosis in both animal and human populations.
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