First report of Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) spores in human feces in Brazil

Abstract

Most species of Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) infect freshwater and marine fish, and cause sporozoosis. Passage of myxozoan parasites into human feces has been described occasionally. We examined fecal samples from 97 dwellers of a riverine community in Amazonas State (Brazil), which revealed Myxobolus sp. in 13 (13%) samples. The discovery probably does not represent true parasitism as the myxospores – most likely ingested through the consumption of infected fish – were eliminated unchanged after passing through the gastrointestinal tract. This discovery represents the first report of this myxosporean in human fecal samples in Brazil.