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Serodiagnostic studies in an immunocompetent individual infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Tom van Gool1, Corinne Biderre, Frédéric Delbac
1Parasitology Section, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. t.vangool@amc.uva.nl.
Insights
This study tracked an immunocompetent individual
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prevalence and clinical significance of Encephalitozoon species in immunocompetent individuals are poorly understood.
- Encephalitozoon species are opportunistic microsporidian parasites.
- Immunocompetent individuals can be infected, but data is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the IgG antibody response to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in an immunocompetent laboratory worker.
- To characterize the temporal antibody profile against specific Encephalitozoon antigens.
- To assess cross-reactivity with other Encephalitozoon species.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFAT) and Western blot analysis.
- Use of recombinant antigens: spore wall protein 1 (SWP1) and polar tube proteins (PTP1, PTP2, PTP3).
- Analysis of serum samples collected at multiple time points post-infection (1, 20, 32, and 38 months).
Main Results:
- Antibody response evolved over time, initially recognizing spore wall antigens, then including polar tube antigens.
- Western blot showed a characteristic pattern recognizing multiple bands.
- IgG response to SWP1 was consistently detected, while responses to PTPs emerged later.
- Cross-reactivity with Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis spore walls was observed.
Conclusions:
- This study provides detailed insights into the antibody response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in an immunocompetent host.
- The findings highlight the dynamic nature of the immune response to Encephalitozoon infection.
- Development of reliable serodiagnostic methods is crucial for understanding the prevalence and clinical impact of Encephalitozoon infections in humans.
Abstract:
Little is known about the prevalence and clinical significance of infection with Encephalitozoon species in immunocompetent individuals. In the present study, by using indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFAT), Western blot, and recombinant antigens of the spore wall (SWP1) and polar tube (PTP1, PTP2, and PTP3 ), we analyzed the IgG antibody response of a laboratory worker who was infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Serum samples were analyzed 1, 20, 32, and 38 months after infection. After 1 month, by use of IFAT, only spore-wall antigens were recognized, an antibody reaction that changed toward both the spore wall and polar tube in the following months. By use of Western blot analysis, a characteristic pattern that recognized multiple bands was noticed. Reaction against SWP1 was present in all 4 serum samples. The IgG response against PTP1, PTP2, and PTP3 was not detectable 1 month after infection, but became evident in the follow-up serum samples. Serum samples showed cross-reactivity with the spore wall of Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, but only little cross-reactivity with the polar tube of these parasites. This is the first study to our knowledge that provides full details about the antibody response against a specified Encephalitozoon species in an immunocompetent person. The results strongly encourage the development and use of reliable serodiagnostic methods, which will provide information about the prevalence and clinical significance of Encephalitozoon species infection in humans.
