Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a species of the order Chytridiopsida (in the division Microsporidia) which infects the intestinal epithelial cells.
The spores contain a long, coiled polar tube, which distinguishes them from all other organisms and has a crucial role in host cell invasion.
As this pathogen is very prevalent throughout the world, E. bieneusi is found in a wide variety of hosts including pigs, humans, and other mammals.
Several treatments, including fumagillin and albendazole have showed promise in treating infection (Mathis et al. 2005).
The electron microscope studies revealed presence of developmental stages of parasite resembling microsporidia.
Light microscopy of stained clinical smears, especially of fecal samples, is used to diagnose microsporidia infections..
Transmission electron microscopy is required to differentiate between species of microsporidia, but it is time consuming and expensive.
Immunofluorescence Assays using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are used, and PCR has recently been employed for E. bieneusi (CDC).
The different modes of transmission that may be possible include the fecal-oral or oral-oral route, inhalation of aerosols, or ingestion of food contaminated with fecal material (Mathis et al. 2005).