Causes and risk factors
The infection is caused due to the protozoa microsporodia. The spores of the protozoa are infective. The resistant spores enter the human body either through ingestion or through the eyes.They invade the human cells where they undergo the process of sporogony to form mature spores. Gradually these spores increase in number. When the spores completely fill up the cytoplasm of the cell, the cell is ruptured and the spores is released into the surrounding. These free spores invade the new cells of the body thus continuing the cycle. It causes inflammation in various parts of the body and a few are also excreted through stools, urine and breath. The infection easily spreads from infected person to another or by contact with animals. An individual with a weak immune system is more prone for such infection.
Clinical presentation
The infection can affect different parts of the body like gastric system, eyes, urinary tract, biliary tract, respiratory tract and occasionally brain. No symptoms can be seen in patients with good immune system, while those with weak immunity can present with various complaints depending upon the site affected. The common complaints with which the patient can come up are fever, nausea, vomiting, pain in abdomen or pain in flank region along with diarrhea. The stools are loose and watery. Respiratory affection can cause, cold and coryza along with headache and cough. The infection spreading to the eyes can lead to complaints of redness and pain in and around the eyes. Irritation and watering of eyes occurs. Blurred vision and blindness along with corneal destruction in severe cases can also be seen.Weightloss; body ache and malaise are other common symptom with which the patient can come up with.
Investigations
Diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and on the basis of physical examination carried out by the doctor. Ophthalmic examination is carried out by the patient. Cultures or microscopic examination of the blood, urine, stool or CSF helps in confirming the diagnosis.Biposy of tissues can also be advised .Certain other routine investigations can also be done.
Treatment
Administration of oral medications is the only line of treatment.Antiprotozoal or antihelmintics are the drugs of choice. Eye drops for relief of eye complaints can also be given. In severe cases like corneal destruction surgical repair is needed. Antiretroviral drugs are specially started in case of infection occurring in HIV positive patients.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
