Microsporidiosis is infection caused by Microsporidia protozoa.
It causes diarrhea and eye symptoms. Several species of
Microsporidia cause infection in people, but symptoms occur
mainly in those with AIDS or other disorders that weaken the
immune system. These protozoa may infect the intestine, biliary
tract, cornea, muscles, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and,
occasionally, the brain. The infection may spread throughout the
body. Microsporidia spread through spores, which can be ingested
or inhaled or enter through the eye. They may spread from person
to person or through contact with an animal. Inside the body,
the spores pierce a cell and inject it with material that
becomes spores. The cell eventually ruptures, releasing the
spores. The spores then spread throughout the body, causing
inflammation, or are excreted in the breath, stool, or urine.
Symptoms and Diagnosis Symptoms vary depending on which species
causes the infection and how well a person's immune system is
working. People with a normal imm