medical decision support medical decision support
Sign In

Risk Factors of Bern et al for Intestinal Microsporidiosis in an HIV Infected Patient in Peru

Description

Bern et al identified risk factors associated with intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV infected patients in Lima, Peru. These can help identify patients who should be screened for intestinal protozoa. The authors are from the National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins University, Hospital Arzobispo Loayza and other health care organizations in Lima, Peru.


 

Patient selection: HIV-positive

 

Microsporidia: Enterocytozoon bieneusi (10 different genotypes involved)

 

Risk factors for microsporidiosis included:

(1) low CD4 lymphocyte count (< 100 per µL)

(2) recent contact with duck or chicken droppings

(3) recent (in the preceding month) presence of domestic animals in the household

(4) no municipal garbage collection

(5) no flush toilet in home

(6) no running water in the home

(7) recent (in the preceding month) consumption of watermelon

 

The association with watermelon was difficult to explain. The watermelon has a seasonal availability. It is sold by street vendors already cut and kept moist with potentially contaminated water. However, other fruits and vegetables have similar characteristics but are not associated with microsporidiosis.

 

These risk factors can also help design preventive measures to help reduce the risk of microsporidiosis.

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.

Specialty