Seropositivity for Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Czech Republic

Abstract

To determine seropositivity for Enterocytozoon bieneusi in the Czech Republic, we tested 115 serum samples from various groups. We found that 20% from HIV-positive persons, 33% from persons with occupational exposure to animals, and 10% from healthy persons were positive by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Proteins of 32 kDa were detected in serum samples from seropositive persons.

Figure

Western blot analysis of serum reactivity to Enterocytozoon bieneusi proteins, Czech Republic. Serum selection: HIV-positive persons (indirect fluorescence antibody [IFA] assay titers >400); blood donors, professionals with risk exposure (IFA titers >200). Serum samples diluted 1:100. Molecular weight markers (Precision Plus Protein Standard, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA): lane 1, positive control (HIV/AIDS patient with proved E. bieneusi infection); lane 2, negative control (seronegative blood donor); lanes 3–8, selected samples from HIV-positive persons (3–6 IFA positive); lanes 9–14, selected samples from blood donors (9–11 IFA positive); lanes 15–20, selected samples from persons with occupational exposure to animals (15–18 IFA positive). Arrow indicates the 32-KDa protein fraction. Values on the left are in kilodaltons.