TY - GEN ID - cogprints4700 UR - http://cogprints.org/4700/ A1 - I CJ, Omalu A1 - A B, Yako A1 - D D, Duhlinska A1 - G I, Anyanwu A1 - V A, Pam A1 - P U, Inyama Y1 - 2005/11// N2 - Microsporidia are intracellular spore-forming protozoa that are increasingly being recognized as pathogens in humans. Faecal samples were taken from 2250 HIV/AIDS and 1050 HIV-negative patients from Kano and Makurdi in Northern Nigeria, and were investigated for microsporidial infections by Giemsa staining technique (Light microscopy). In Kano, Enterocytozoon bienuesi was detected in 8 (14.17%) and Encephalitozoon 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 was detected in 13 (0.65%) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in 96 (4.78%) out of 2008 HIV/AIDS patients examined. No mixed infection was observed. Microsporidial spores were not found in 1050 HIV-negative patients screened from both areas. There was a 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 microsporidia to provide baseline data on the status of this disease in Nigeria. Detection of Microsporidia in Immuno-compromised patients has not been described previously in this area. PB - Dr. B.S. Kakkilaya KW - Enterocytozoon bienuesi KW - Encephalitozoon intestinalis KW - Microsporidial infections TI - First detection of intestinal microsporidia in Northern Nigeria AV - public ER -