Living with Microsporidiosis
An infection that mainly affects people with weakened immune systems, causing diarrhea and weight loss.
Understanding Microsporidiosis
It causes diarrhea and weight loss (wasting) in people whose immune systems are weakened (immunocompromised). It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Long-lasting diarrhea
- Diarrhea that comes and goes
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Weakened immune function
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD describes this as an infection caused by Microsporidia, a type of fungus. It occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
Also known as: infection by microspora; infection by microsporea; infection by microsporida; infection by microsporidia; infection caused by microspora; infection caused by microsporidia
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Microsporidiosis.
Explore research for Microsporidiosis
Explore actively recruiting Microsporidiosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Microsporidiosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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