Microsporidiosis in South Africa: PCR detection in stool samples of HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals and school children in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province.

ABSTRACT: Microsporidia were initially recognized as pathogens of insects and fish but have recently emerged as an important group of human pathogens, especially in immune-compromised individuals, such as those with HIV infection. In this study, we used a PCR-RFLP assay confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and trichrome staining to determine the prevalence of microsporidian infections among hospital patients and school children in Vhembe region. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the only microsporidian species detected in these stool samples. It was found in 33 (12.9%) of 255 samples from the hospitals and in 3 (4.5%) of 67 samples from primary school children and was significantly associated (P=0.039) with diarrhea in HIV-positive patients (21.6%) compared to HIV-negative individuals (9%). However, mi

SUBMITTER: Samie A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3109624 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature