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Microsporidiosis in HIV-positive children in Madrid (Spain)
C Del Aguila1, R Navajas, D Gurbindo
1Sec. Parasitology, Fac. CCEE y Técnicas, Univ. San Pablo CEU, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
A prospective study was carried out to determine the prevalence rates of microsporidiosis and other enteroparasites in HIV-positive children in the Madrid area. HIV-positive pediatric patients from three hospitals were enrolled in the study. A total of 293 samples (158 stool and 127 urine) were collected from 83 children whose mean age was 6.3 years and had a mean CD4 count of 504.7/mm3 (range 1-2,220/mm3), 48 of whom suffered diarrhea at the time of the study. Microsporidia identification was investigated in stool and urine samples using Weber's chromotrope-based stain, IIF and PCR species-specific tests. Enteric parasites were identified in 32.5% of the children. Cryptosporidium sp. was the most common parasite encountered (14.4%), followed by Blastocytis sp. (9.6%) and Giardia duodenalis (8.4%). Microsporidia was only found in the stools of one child (1.2% of total and 2% of those with diarrhea) and Enterocytozoon bieneusi was demonstrated by PCR. The patient was 10 years old, presented non-chronic diarrhea and his CD4 count was 298/mm3. These data differ from those previously reported by us in HIV-positive adults (13.9%) in the same area, although this group showed more severely depressed CD4 lymphocyte counts than children. New epidemiological studies should be carried out to elucidate whether additional risk factors exist between these groups.
Insights
Microsporidiosis was rare in HIV-positive children in Madrid, with only one case of Enterocytozoon bieneusi found. Other enteroparasites like Cryptosporidium were more common, highlighting the need for further pediatric HIV research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Immunocompromised Host Research
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can impair immune function, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections in children.
- Enteroparasitic infections are a significant concern in pediatric populations, particularly those who are immunocompromised.
- Previous studies in the Madrid area indicated a higher prevalence of microsporidiosis in HIV-positive adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of microsporidiosis and other enteroparasites in HIV-positive children in Madrid.
- To compare enteroparasite prevalence in pediatric versus adult HIV-positive populations.
- To investigate potential risk factors associated with enteroparasitic infections in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 83 HIV-positive children from three hospitals in Madrid.
- Collection and analysis of 158 stool and 127 urine samples.
- Microsporidia detection using Weber's chromotrope stain, immunofluorescence assay (IIF), and species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR); enteric parasites identified using standard diagnostic methods.
Main Results:
- Enteric parasites were detected in 32.5% of children.
- Cryptosporidium sp. (14.4%) was the most prevalent parasite, followed by Blastocystis sp. (9.6%) and Giardia duodenalis (8.4%).
- Microsporidia, specifically Enterocytozoon bieneusi, was identified in only one child (1.2% overall, 2% of those with diarrhea) with a CD4 count of 298/mm3.
Conclusions:
- Microsporidiosis is uncommon in HIV-positive children in Madrid compared to adults in the same region.
- Other enteroparasites, particularly Cryptosporidium, are more prevalent in this pediatric cohort.
- Further epidemiological studies are warranted to explore differences in risk factors between pediatric and adult HIV-positive populations regarding enteroparasitic infections.