Molecular identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates from nigerian children

A study was conducted to detect and identify enteric microsporidian species in 43 children from oyo state,nigeria. using nested polymerase chain reaction,9.3% of the children were identified as positive for enterocytozoon bieneusi. dna sequencing of the pcr products showed the presence of three known genotypes (two isolates of genotype d and one of genotype k) and one new genotype. this study suggests that either human or animal (or both) could be the infection source for the children,since identified genotypes d and k have been previously detected in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients and domestic animals. the identification of high diversity also suggests intensive transmission of microsporidiosis in the studied area. copyright © 2011 adekunle bamidele ayinmode et al.