{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Microscopic and Molecular Investigation of Intestinal Microsporidia in HIV + /AIDS and Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran.
{Author}: Ahmadi B;Sarvi S;Keihanian S;Davoudi L;Daryani A;Mirjalali H;Ahmadpour E;Sadeghi M;Shariatzadeh SA;Shakeri S;Hosseini SA;
{Journal}: Acta Parasitol
{Volume}: 68
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 2023 Sep 11
{Factor}: 1.534
{DOI}: 10.1007/s11686-023-00704-y
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The aim of this study was to identify Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples of HIV + /AIDS and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and comparing the results to healthy individuals in Mazandaran province, north of Iran.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Stool samples were collected from 50 HIV + /AIDS patients, 50 cancer patients, and 50 healthy samples referred to medical centers in north of Iran. Stool samples were kept in 2.5% potassium dichromate at 4 °C, and stained by modified trichrome for light microscopy examination. The multiplex/nested-PCR targeted the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. To characterize genotypes, the nested PCR products sequenced by Bioneer Company and was subjected to phylogenetic analyses.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Ten of 50 samples (20%) of HIV + /AIDS patients, 5 of 50 samples (10%) of cancer patients, and 1 of healthy individuals (2%) were microscopically positive. From 50 HIV + / AIDS patients, E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. were detected in 10 (20%) and 6 (12%) cases, respectively. Furthermore, among cancer patients, 7 (14%) and 2 (4%) cases were E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Out of 50 samples of healthy individuals, only 3 (6%) cases of E. bieneusi were observed. The genotypes D and M were detected among positive samples of E. bieneusi.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>E. bieneusi and then Encephalitozoon spp. are common intestinal microsporidia in HIV + /AIDS patients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Mazandaran province. E. bieneusi genotype D seems to be the predominant genotype in Mazandaran province. Due to the considerable prevalence of intestinal microsporidia, physicians are advised to pay more attention to this opportunistic infection in high-risk groups.