First detection of intestinal microsporidia in Northern Nigeria

Microsporidia are intracellular spore-forming protozoa that are increasingly being recognized as pathogens in humans. Faecal samples were taken from 2250 HIV/AIEpS and 1050 HIV-negative patients from Kano and Makurdi in Northern Nigeria,, and were investigated' for mjcrosporidial infections by Giemsa staining i technique (Ljght microscopy) In Kano Enterocytozoon blenuesi was detected ip 8 (14-.17%) and Encephalltozoon intestinalis in 5 (2.60%) out of 192 HIV/AIDS patients screened. A mixed infection of both 0.52% was observed. \ ' • Results from Makurdi showed that Enterocytozoon bienuesi w,as detected in 13 (0.65%) and Enc^phalitozoon Intestinalis in 9.6 (4.78%) out of 2008. HIV/AIDS • patients examined. No mixed Infection was observed. Microsporidiai. spores were not found in 1050 HIV-negative patients screened from both, qreas. There was e significant difference (X2, p<0.05) in Infection rates between the HIV/AIDS and HIV-negative patients* This-study aimed at detecting the prevalence of intestinal mlcrosporldia to provide baseline data on the status of this disease In Nigeria. Detection of Microsporidia in Immuno-cortipromlsed patients- has not been described previously in this area.