Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype III Evinces a Resistance to Albendazole Treatment in both Immunodeficient and Immunocompetent Mice

Abstract

Of four genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi , E. cuniculi genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas E. cuniculi genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of Encephalitozoon species, its failure in control of E. cuniculi genotype III infection has been reported.