Molecular techniques for detection, species differentiation, and phylogenetic analysis of microsporidia.

ABSTRACT: Microsporidia are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that infect a broad range of vertebrates and invertebrates. These parasites are now recognized as one of the most common pathogens in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. For most patients with infectious diseases, microbiological isolation and identification techniques offer the most rapid and specific determination of the etiologic agent. This is not a suitable procedure for microsporidia, which are obligate intracellular parasites requiring cell culture systems for growth. Therefore, the diagnosis of microsporidiosis currently depends on morphological demonstration of the organisms themselves. Although the diagnosis of microsporidiosis and identification of microsporidia by light microscopy have greatly improved dur

SUBMITTER: Franzen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC88917 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature