Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Extraintestinal Microsporidiosis in Bird Owners

Abstract

We identified Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II parasites as a cause of extraintestinal microsporidiosis in 2 owners of birds also infected with E. cuniculi. Patients experienced long-lasting nonspecific symptoms; the disease course was more progressive in a patient with diabetes. Our findings suggest direct bird-to-human transmission of this pathogen.

Keywords

• Encephalitozoon cuniculi
• microsporidiosis
• parasites
• exotic birds
• immunocompetent
• zoonoses