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Microsporidium-associated sinusitis
R B Moss1, L M Beaudet, B M Wenig
1Allergic Disease Section, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Abstract:
Two cases of biopsy-proven Microsporidium-associated chronic sinusitis in HIV-seropositive patients are presented. Spores of Septata intestinalis were identified by light microscopy and confirmed by electron microscopy in each case. Both patients displayed severe deficiencies of nasal mucosa CD4-positive cells, demonstrated by immunohistochemical methods. Only two other cases of Septata intestinalis-associated sinusitis have been reported previously. Our observations agree with the theory that functional defects in local mucosal immunity may partially explain the acquisition of opportunistic mucosal infections in many HIV-seropositive patients.
Insights
Two HIV-positive patients developed chronic sinusitis caused by Microsporidium Septata intestinalis. Local CD4-positive cell deficiency in nasal mucosa may predispose individuals to such opportunistic infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chronic sinusitis is a common condition, but Microsporidium-associated cases are rare, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity is associated with a weakened immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- Two HIV-seropositive patients presented with biopsy-proven chronic sinusitis.
- Microsporidium Septata intestinalis spores were identified in nasal mucosa samples using light and electron microscopy.
- Immunohistochemical analysis revealed severe deficiencies of CD4-positive cells in the nasal mucosa of both patients.
Findings:
- This study reports two new cases of Septata intestinalis-associated sinusitis, adding to the limited existing literature.
- The findings suggest a link between Microsporidium infection and CD4-positive cell depletion in the nasal mucosa of HIV-positive individuals.
Implications:
- The observations support the hypothesis that impaired local mucosal immunity contributes to opportunistic infections in HIV-seropositive patients.
- Further research into mucosal immunity defects in HIV may help in preventing and treating opportunistic infections like Microsporidium sinusitis.