Microsporidiosis history and symptoms

Symptoms of intestinal microsporidiosis include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.^[1]

History about the presence and risk factors of an immune compromised state should be assessed. The duration and severity of diarrhea should be investigated to stratify the risk for the presence of complications.

Microsporidiosis can affect many systems.^[1][2]

Intestinal microsporidiosis is the most common form of the disease.

• In immunocompetent individuals

Intestinal microsporidiosis may be asymptomatic or causes transient diarrhea. In rare cases, it might cause chronic diarrhea.

• In immunocompromised individuals

• Chronic diarrhea: non-bloody watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• It may be associated with nausea and vomiting.

• Symptoms of cholecystitis, renal failure, respiratory tract infection occur.
• Patients with respiratory tract involvement may present with a persistent cough, dyspnea, wheezing.
• Headache, nasal congestion or discharge, ocular pain and loss of taste may indicate that the sinus is involved.
• Patients with urinary tract infection may be frequently asymptomatic.

Ocular involvement can cause keratitis which presents with;

• Red eye
• Excessive tearing
• Foreign body sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred or decreased vision.

• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Muscle weakness

• Nodular cutaneous lesions are seen in patients with HIV infection.

Microsporidiosis may present with symptoms of space occupying lesions such as:

• Headache
• Seizures
• Projectile vomiting