ABSTRACT
Microsporidia are small spore-forming unicellular protozoan parasites with an obligate intracellular existence (they lack mitochondria and active metabolic stages outside host cells) and a worldwide distribution. Presently over 1200 micro - sporidian species belonging to 150 genera have been identified in a broad range of vertebrates and invertebrates, particularly insects, of virtually every phylum of the animal kingdom. Seven genera of microsporidia, Encephalitozoon (Enc), Enterocytozoon (Ent), Nosema, Vattaforma, Pleistophora, Trachipleistophora and Brachiola, have been reported to opportunistically infect humans especially individuals with HIV/AIDS and organ transplant recipients being treated with immunosuppressive drugs.
