References
A review of ocular Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in the rabbit
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite affecting rabbits and other mammals, including immunocompromised humans. One clinical manifestation of E. cuniculi is the ocular form, which typically presents with phacoclastic uveitis, a yellow-white granuloma and a cataract. This literature review focuses on the aetiopathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis and treatment options for ocular E. cuniculi with emphasis on phacoemulsification, the gold standard treatment.
As well as infecting rabbits, Encephalitozoon cuniculi may also colonise other mammals including mice, cats, dogs and sheep. It is important to recognise its zoonotic potential in immunocompromised humans. In rabbits, E. cuniculi most commonly presents as a neurological condition (Figure 1), but also affects the kidneys and eyes. Exposure to E. cuniculi is not uncommon in the UK, with one study finding that 52% of healthy rabbits were seropositive for E. cuniculi antibodies (Keeble and Shaw, 2006). Compared to the prevalence of E. cuniculi seropositivity, the prevalence of the ocular manifestation is fairly low (Williams, 2012).
The classification of E. cuniculi is controversial. Previously classed as a protozoal parasite, and oft en still referred to as this, the current categorisation of E. cuniculi microsporidia is an obligate intracellular atypical fungi without mitochondria (Vergneau-Grosset and Sylvain, 2016). Three strains of E. cuniculi have been identified, with strain I infecting rabbits and humans, strain II infecting rodents, and strain III infecting dogs and humans (Didier et al, 1995).
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