Investigation of the frequency of in samples taken from patients undergoing bronchial lavage

Microsporidia species are obligate intracellular parasites. The clinical course of microsporidiosis varies depending on the site of infection and the host's immune status. Some microsporidia species can cause pulmonary microsporidiosis by colonizing the lower respiratory tract. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of microsporidia in patients with lung disease. The study was conducted between 12.2024-06.2025, at the Parasitology Department Research Laboratory of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine. The study included 65 patients who were admitted to Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Dursun Odabaş Medical Center Hospital, underwent bronchial lavage, and were known to be HIV-negative. Patients with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or chronic kidney failure, or those taking any immunosuppressive medications were excluded from the study. To investigate the presence of microsporidia, bronchial lavage samples obtained from patients were examined using modified trichrome staining and PCR methods. The examinations revealed pulmonary microsporidiosis in three patients (4.6%). However, microsporidia spores were only found in one patient (1.5%) using the modified trichrome staining method. As a result, we believe that microsporidia agents should be considered in patients with lung disease, regardless of the individual's immune status