Light microscopic diagnosis of human microsporidiosis and variable response to octreotide

Gastroenterology. 1991 Jan;100(1):271-3. doi: 10.1016/0016-5085(91)90613-p.

Abstract

Microsporida are protozoan parasites that have recently been identified as a cause of human disease in immunocompromised patients. Because of their small size, they have been recognized primarily by electron microscopy. This has limited the study of their prevalence, incidence, and association with large-volume diarrhea. The present report describes two cases of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection of the small intestine in patients with intractable diarrhea in whom the diagnosis was made by light microscopy and confirmed by electron microscopy. Both patients were treated with octreotide, and one had a good response.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Duodenal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Duodenal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Duodenal Diseases / parasitology
  • Eukaryota / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / diagnosis*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Octreotide / therapeutic use*
  • Protozoan Infections / diagnosis*
  • Protozoan Infections / drug therapy
  • Protozoan Infections / etiology
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Octreotide