Chronic Infections in Mammals Due to Microsporidia

Microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in Patients with Degenerative Hip and Knee Disease, Czech Republic

“…Most documented cases originated from HIV/AIDS patients and transplant recipients. Whereas infection with E. cuniculi genotype I and II is common, occurrence of genotypes III and IV in humans is rare ( 43 ). As researchers and clinicians become more aware of those pathogens and are able to diagnose infections caused by them, new associations between microsporidia parasites and common infections have been reported ( 17 , 44 ).…”

“…The most common route of microsporidia transmission is the fecal-oral route; spores are passed in the urine or feces of infected persons into the environment and transmitted mostly through contaminated water sources ( 43 ). Microsporidia spores have been identified in wastewater, and in surface, irrigation, and drinking water.…”

“…Moreover, several studies have reported foodborne transmission through fresh produce, such as strawberries, raspberries, lettuce, celery, parsley, and oranges, including orange juice. Recently, E. cuniculi has been reported in milk from dairy cows and goats, and the possibility of E. cuniculi transmission through pasteurized cow’s milk, fermented pork products, and fresh goat cheese has been experimentally documented ( 43 ). Furthermore, infection in the respiratory tract suggests airborne transmission by contaminated aerosols ( 43 ).…”

“…Recently, E. cuniculi has been reported in milk from dairy cows and goats, and the possibility of E. cuniculi transmission through pasteurized cow’s milk, fermented pork products, and fresh goat cheese has been experimentally documented ( 43 ). Furthermore, infection in the respiratory tract suggests airborne transmission by contaminated aerosols ( 43 ).…”