The First Identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in an Animal Care Worker in Turkey

Abstract

Background: As a zoonotic pathogen, Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a cause of serious disease in animals and people. The present study was to evaluate the health status examination of this seropositive animal care worker in our previous study.

Methods: Blood samples were taken from five workers. CIA test was applied to detect antibodies against E. cuniculi in blood serum. The indirect immunofluorescence antibody test was used as confirmation test. Seropositive worker had a complete medical examination.

Results: Only one worker was found to be seropositive according to the results of the serological test. Sera positive to E. cuniculi was confirmed with IFAT and spores were detected in the urine sample of the worker. The worker was treated with albendazole.

Conclusion: Rabbits should be examined routinely for the presence of anti-E. cuniculi antibody. People working with laboratory animal should avoid contact with urine and faeces of infected or pay attention to personal hygiene.

Keywords: Animal care worker; Encephalitozoon cuniculi.

Fig. 1:

Rabbits with torticollis (head tilt) due to cerebral infection with E. cuniculi

Fig. 2:

A: Encephalitozoon cuniculi spores stained apple-green by indirect immunofluorescence with anti–E. cuniculi serum (Bar: 9 μm). B: Spores of E. cuniculi from urine stained with Trichrome blue (Magnification 1000×).