Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Isospora belli
Introduction
Synonyms and keywords: Isospora infection; cystoisoporiasis
Overview
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Overview
Isosporiasis is a human intestinal disease caused by a parasite called Isospora belli.
Causes
The coccidian parasite, Isospora belli, infects the epithelial cells of the small intestine, and is the least common of the three intestinal coccidia that infect humans.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Infection occurs in immunodepressed individuals, and outbreaks have been reported in institutionalized groups in the United States.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the drug of choice.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
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References
Pathophysiology
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Pathophysiology
Life Cycle
- At time of excretion, the immature oocyst contains usually one sporoblast (more rarely two) 1.
- In further maturation after excretion, the sporoblast divides in two (the oocyst now contains two sporoblasts); the sporoblasts secrete a cyst wall, thus becoming sporocysts; and the sporocysts divide twice to produce four sporozoites each 2.
- Infection occurs by ingestion of sporocysts-containing oocysts: the sporocysts excyst in the small intestine and release their sporozoites, which invade the epithelial cells and initiate schizogony 3.
- Upon rupture of the schizonts, the merozoites are released, invade new epithelial cells, and continue the cycle of asexual multiplication 4. Trophozoites develop into schizonts which contain multiple merozoites.
- After a minimum of one week, the sexual stage begins with the development of male and female gametocytes 5.
- Fertilization results in the development of oocysts that are excreted in the stool 1. Isospora belli infects both humans and animals.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
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Overview
The coccidian parasite, Isospora belli, infects the epithelial cells of the small intestine, and is the least common of the three intestinal coccidia that infect humans.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Isosporiasis from other Diseases
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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Overview
Isosporiasis occurs worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Infection occurs in immunodepressed individuals, and outbreaks have been reported in institutionalized groups in the United States.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
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References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]