Epidemiology of Microsporidia in Human Infections

Microsporidia

“…Some reports suggested that person-to-person transmission of microsporidia might occur through homosexual practices or intravenous drug use, but additional confirmation is required (Fayer and Santin, 2014).…”

“…Vertical transmission of microsporidiosis from mother to offspring has been described in rodents, rabbits, carnivores, and non-human primates, but it has not been observed in humans (Fayer and Santin, 2014;Didier et al, 2004). Some reports suggested that person-to-person transmission of microsporidia might occur through homosexual practices or intravenous drug use, but additional confirmation is required (Fayer and Santin, 2014).…”

“…By molecular methods, human-pathogenic microsporidia such as E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. have been detected in various waters worldwide (Fayer and Santin, 2014). In addition, microsporidian spores are generally resistant to environment and survive for extended periods of time in water, the spores are relatively small and not easily trapped by filtration, and the infectious dose is probably low .…”

“…Microsporidia are of concern for foodborne transmission as a result of food globalization, however, relatively few studies have documented the presence of microsporidia in foods (Fayer and Santin, 2014;Didier et al, 2004). In Poland, Sweden, Costa Rica, and Egypt, various vegetables and fruits such as lettuce, celery, cilantro, mung beans, strawberries, and raspberries purchased from local markets were identified containing human-pathogenic microsporidia species (Decraene et al, 2012;Jedrzejewski et al, 2007;Calvo et al, 2004;Mossallam, 2010).…”

“…The spores of the microsporidia species that infect humans are relatively small (Figure 1), measuring 1.0 -3.0 μm × 1.5 -4.0 μm; these are surrounded by a glycoprotein outer layer and a chitinous inner layer that provide protection from the environment . "Microsporidia" is a nontaxonomic name used to describe parasites belonging to the phylum Microspora, which includes over 1200 species in 144 genera that infect members of all animal phyla, including insects, mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish, and 17 species identified associated with infections in immunocompromised and immunocompetent persons (Table 1) (Fayer and Santin, 2014;Didier and Weiss, 2006). Enterocytozoon bieneusi and the Encephalitozoon species (E. cuniculi, E. intestinalis, and E. hellem) are the most prevalent microsporidia identified in humans.…”