<unk>  is an opportunistic intestinal infection that causes diarrhea and wasting in immunocompromised individuals (HIV, for example). It results from different species of microsporidia, a group of protozoal parasites. In HIV infected individuals,<unk>  generally occurs when CD4+ T cell counts fall below 100.<unk>  was first discovered in 1959 and its prevalence has increased in the late 20th century due to the worldwide spread of HIV. Immunodeficiency is the most common risk factor for developing<unk>  and leads to a worse outcome.<unk>  presents in many forms and can affect many systems. The most common form is intestinal<unk> , which causes diarrhea and weight loss and can be complicated with nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and acalculous cholecystitis. Diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic identification of the organism and positive PCR. The mainstay of therapy is HAART aiming for a CD4+ T cell > 100 cell/mcm.
Microsporidiosis
Isosporiasis
Tungiasis
Trichinosis
Helminthiasis
Rhinosporidiosis
Cyclosporiasis
Leishmaniasis