Occurrence of microsporidia spp. infection in children with diarrhea in southern Iran

Microsporidia spp. are recognized emerging zoonotic microorganisms in immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the occurrence, sociodemographic and risk factors of microsporidia spp. infection using microscopic and molecular techniques in children with diarrhea in Jahrom city (Fars province, southern Iran). Stool samples were gathered from 395 children aged ≤ 14 years between January 2017 and January 2018. Next, a questionnaire includes the age, sex, living area, immune system status, breast milk consumption, contact with animals, and type of water source was completed for all children. For microscopic assessment, modified acid-fast trichrome staining was applied for detection of microsporidia spores. Furthermore, DNA extraction and PCR were accomplished for all samples. A total of 15 (3.79%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.14–6.19) and 8 (2.02%; 95% CI 0.88–3.95) samples were positive for microsporidia infection by microscopic and molecular techniques, respectively. Although none of the sociodemographic and risk factors were significant (p value > 0.05), the prevalence of this infection was higher in some variables (e.g., rurality, contact with animals and well water consumption). Three random samples were sequenced that all isolates belonged to Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Cognizance of microsporidia occurrence, risk factors, and disease disorders for the health specialists, physicians, children’s families are important for appropriately control the infection. © 2022, Indian Society for Parasitology.