Anncaliia algerae microsporidial myositis.
The insect microsporidian Anncaliia algerae was first described in 2004 as a cause of fatal myositis in an immunosuppressed person from Pennsylvania, USA. Two cases were subsequently reported, and we detail 2 additional cases, including the only nonfatal case. We reviewed all 5 case histories with respect to clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management and summarized organism life cycle and epidemiology. Before infection, all case-patients were using immunosuppressive medications for rheumatoid arthritis or solid-organ transplantation. Four of the 5 case-patients were from Australia. All diagnoses were confirmed by skeletal muscle biopsy; however, peripheral nerves and other tissues may be infected. The surviving patient received albendazole and had a reduction of immunosuppressive medications and measures to prevent complications. Although insects are the natural hosts for A. algerae, human contact with water contaminated by spores may be a mode of transmission. A. algerae has emerged as a cause of myositis, particularly in coastal Australia.
Matthew R
MR
Watts
Renee C F
RC
Chan
Elaine Y L
EY
Cheong
Susan
S
Brammah
Kate R
KR
Clezy
Chiwai
C
Tong
Deborah
D
Marriott
Cameron E
CE
Webb
Bobby
B
Chacko
Vivienne
V
Tobias
Alexander C
AC
Outhred
Andrew S
AS
Field
Michael V
MV
Prowse
James V
JV
Bertouch
Damien
D
Stark
Stephen W
SW
Reddel
D000368:Aged; D016817:Apansporoblastina / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D001315:Australia; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008297:Male; D016881:Microsporidiosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D009220:Myositis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D016377:Organ Transplantation
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
Anncaliia algerae; Australia; arthritis rheumatoid; infection; insects; microporidia; myositis; solid-organ transplantation