Electron microscopy identification of microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi) and Cyclospora cayetanensis from stool samples of HIV infected patients

Microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi) and Cyclospora cayetanensis have been reported worldwide causing diarrhoea in AIDS patients. Stool samples from HIV infected patients were subjected to routine examination for parasites, followed by special staining techniques to detect microsporidia and Cyclospora cayetanensis. Confirmed positive cases of these parasites were further processed for electron microscopy identity of the parasites and characteristic details. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed better morphological and structural details of the parasites.