Abstract: The emergence of microsporidia as a clinical problem has coincided with advances in the field of molecular biology, the techniques of which promise greatly enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This chapter reviews the basic biology of microsporidians that infect mammals, including their unique morphologic characteristics, life cycles, and taxonomy. It also discusses the host–parasite relationships of mammalian microsporidia, including host specificity, adaptations that promote parasite survival, and host immune response. This is followed by a discussion of the clinical aspects of microsporidiosis, based mainly upon observations made in patients with AIDS. Particular emphasis is given to intestinal disease, which is the most common problem associated with microsporidiosis. The epidemiology of microsporidia is also discussed in the chapter, including an evaluation of the evidence for and against microsporidia as enteric pathogens. It also discusses the pathogenesis of intestinal and hepatobiliary disease, its clinical pathogical correlations, and its natural course. It presents the currently used diagnostic tests including light and electron microscopic examinations of clinical specimens and discusses the treatment of patients with microsporidiosis, including the studies of specific antiparasitic therapies.
Publication Year: 1998
Publication Date: 1998-01-01
Language: en
Type: review
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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