Human Microsporidian
Enterocytozoon bieneusi
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Phylum Microsporidia
Family Enterocytozoonidae
Conservation Public health concern
Complete Taxonomy
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Microsporidia
Class: Microsporea
Order: Chytridiopsida
Family: Enterocytozoonidae
Genus: Enterocytozoon
Species: E. bieneusi
Description
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian infecting humans, causing chronic diarrhea particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It infects intestinal epithelial cells and can cause severe malabsorption. Water-borne transmission is possible, raising public health concerns.
Physical Characteristics
Cap Shape: Minute oval spores
Cap Color: Microscopic
Size: Spores 1.0-1.6 micrometers
Gill Attachment: N/A
Spore Print: N/A
Stipe: Intracellular with polar filament
Habitat: Human and animal intestinal tract
Fruiting Season: Continuous in infected hosts
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Obligate intracellular parasite of intestinal epithelial cells in humans and animals.
Ecological Role
Opportunistic human pathogen. Zoonotic potential from animal reservoirs.
Cultural Significance
Important in HIV/AIDS medicine. Public health concern for waterborne transmission. Research on emerging infectious diseases.
Fascinating Facts
- Most common microsporidian in humans
- Causes chronic diarrhea in immunocompromised
- Among smallest eukaryotic parasites
- Can survive in water supplies
- Zoonotic - shared with animals
- Difficult to diagnose
- No highly effective treatment
- Extremely reduced genome