Final answer:
Microsporidiosis primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV/AIDS patients, older adults, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The pathogenic species Enterocystozoan bieneusi causes symptoms like diarrhea and cholecystitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microsporidiosis chiefly affects immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV/AIDS patients, older adults, and people undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, for example, transplant recipients and cancer patients. These unicellular fungi use a unique mechanism by releasing polar tubules that pierce the host cell membrane, allowing entry into the cell. The pathogenic species of microsporidia, like Enterocystozoan bieneusi, can manifest symptoms like diarrhea, cholecystitis, and occasionally, respiratory illness.
Learn more about Microsporidiosis