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Enterocytzoon bienusi

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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More than 500 species of microsporidia are known to infect animals. Enterocytzoon bienusi is the first species known to infect HIV-positive patients (found in 1989). The organism produces a spore borne parasitic infection and it may be a major cause of diarrhoea in HIV +ve patients.

Diagnosis is at present best made on Giemsa stained microscopy of jejunal biopsy, revealing microsporidia.

Most affected patients have severe immunosuppression, wasting and diarrhoea of up to 1 litre per day.

Symptoms are ameliorated with abendazole or metronidazole, though treatment does not erradicate the parasite.


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