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Human microsporidioses and AIDS: recent advances
1INSERM U313, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Microsporidia, unicellular parasites frequent in animals, were rarely reported in humans before the advent of AIDS. This immunodeficiency syndrome induces the emergence or resurgence of opportunistic infections such as microsporidioses. Since 1985, five species of microsporidia have been found in HIV-infected patients. One of these species was already known in animals whereas all others are new. An increasing number of cases of microsporidioses is detected due to the improvement of methods of diagnosis. According to a study conducted in USA, intestinal microsporidia appear to be the first cause of diarrhea in patients with AIDS. These parasites are intensively investigated as shown by the increasing number of studies published since 1993. Most data concern the diagnosis, pathology, therapy and epidemiology of human microsporidioses as well as the characterization of their agents. Experimental studies aiming to define the immune context of these infections are also reported.
Insights
Microsporidia infections, or microsporidioses, are increasingly detected in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. These opportunistic infections are a leading cause of diarrhea in AIDS patients, prompting further research.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Microsporidia are unicellular parasites commonly found in animals.
- Before the advent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), human infections were rarely reported.
- AIDS, an immunodeficiency syndrome, facilitates the emergence or resurgence of opportunistic infections like microsporidioses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emergence and characteristics of microsporidioses in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.
- To highlight the increasing detection and significance of microsporidioses as an opportunistic infection in the context of AIDS.
- To summarize current research trends concerning human microsporidioses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies on human microsporidioses since 1993.
- Analysis of reported cases in HIV-infected patients.
- Synthesis of data on diagnosis, pathology, therapy, epidemiology, and agent characterization.
Main Results:
- Five species of microsporidia have been identified in HIV-infected patients since 1985, with most being novel.
- Improvements in diagnostic methods have led to an increased detection of microsporidioses.
- Intestinal microsporidia are a primary cause of diarrhea in AIDS patients in the USA.
- Research on microsporidioses has intensified, focusing on diagnosis, pathology, therapy, epidemiology, and immune context.
Conclusions:
- Microsporidioses represent a significant opportunistic infection in the context of HIV/AIDS.
- The increasing incidence and identification of new species underscore the importance of continued investigation.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and manage these infections, including their immune aspects.