Disseminated microsporidiosis in a renal transplant recipient: case report and review of the literature

Transpl Infect Dis. 2013 Oct;15(5):526-32. doi: 10.1111/tid.12119. Epub 2013 Aug 15.

Abstract

Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens that usually cause a limited disease in the gastrointestinal tract. Occasionally, they can cause disseminated disease. In solid organ transplant recipients, disseminated disease has been reported only rarely. We describe a 68-year-old woman who presented with fever, cough, and acute kidney injury 6 months after kidney transplantation. Dissemination was confirmed by identification of microsporidial spores in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Polymerase chain reaction analysis identified the species as Encephalitozoon cuniculi.

Keywords: Encephalitozoon; FUO; immunocompromised host; kidney transplant; microsporidiosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / microbiology
  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi / genetics
  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi / isolation & purification*
  • Encephalitozoonosis / complications
  • Encephalitozoonosis / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitozoonosis / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Opportunistic Infections*
  • Spores, Fungal
  • Treatment Outcome