Disseminated microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients is life-threatening. The
incidence may be actually higher than what has been reported. This is due to non-specific
presentations of the disseminated cases and also the insensitivity of routine diagnostic
technique which contribute to delay in the treatment of the disease. In the present study, we
report the use of blood specimens to detect circulating microsporidia DNA, which has not
been reported for diagnosis of disseminated microsporidiosis. Blood samples from HIV/AIDSpositive
patients were collected over a period of one year. These samples were subjected to
PCR assay using species-specific primer EBIEF1/EBIER1. Out of 100 patients, seven were
confirmed positive for E. bieneusi by PCR. A fragment of 607 bp was successfully amplified.
Identification of circulating microsporidia DNA in blood samples may aid in early diagnosis,
thereby allows timely administration of anti-parasitic treatment.