Disseminated microsporidiosis: An underdiagnosed and emerging opportunistic disease
- Author:
Putri Sabrina Mohamed Yusoff
1
Author Information
1. Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
- Collective Name:Emelia Osman; Raja Zahratul Azma Raja Sabudin
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
microsporidia;
disseminated microsporidiosis;
extraintestinal microsporidiosis
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2021;43(1):9-18
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Disseminated microsporidiosis is a life-threatening disease resulting from the haematogenous
spread of microsporidia species. The diagnosis is challenging owing to its subtle nonspecific
clinical presentation, which usually reflects the underlying organ involved. Therefore, a high index
of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Besides, tools for confirmatory laboratory diagnosis
are limited. Currently, there is no direct diagnostic method that can detect the infection without
involving invasive procedures. Clinical confirmation of disseminated microsporidiosis is usually
based on light and transmission electron microscopy of infected tissue specimens. These are then
followed by species detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Disseminated microsporidiosis
shows the potential to be cleared up by albendazole or fumagillin if they are detected and treated
early. Based on a series of case reports, this review aims to present a current update on disseminated
microsporidiosis with emphasis on the clinical manifestations based on the organ system infected,
diagnostic approach and treatment of this devastating condition.
Keywords:
- Full text:5.2021my01103.pdf
