View source for Cyclospora cayetanensis

== Background ==

=== Epidemiology ===
* Humans are the only known host
* Worldwide distribution; endemic in developing countries with outbreaks in developed countries
* Acquired via contaminated food or water, especially '''raspberries''', watercress, lettuce, basil, cilantro, etc.
** Essentially, produce that is difficult to wash
* Outbreaks each summer

=== Life Cycle ===
* Oocysts are quite resistant, and require sporulation in the environment before they are infectious
** Each contains two sporocysts, each of which in turn contains two sporozoites

== Clinical Manifestations ==
* Primarily causes an opportunistic infection
* Causes an acute or chronic diarrhea
** Usually present sooner than, for example, [[Giardia lamblia]], since they're more unwell
* More inflammatory than some of the other intestinal protozoa, with more fevers and malaise
* '''Complications''' can include [[reactive arthritis]] and [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]

== Diagnosis ==
* Stool microscopy with stool acid-fast staining, often requiring multiple samples
** The oocytes are shed only intermittently, so need many stool samples to get adequate sensitivity
* PCR

== Management ==
* Treated with [[Is treated by::trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole]] DS po bid for 7 to 10 days
** Alternative: [[Is treated by::ciprofloxacin]] 500 mg po bid for 7 days

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Cyclospora cayetanensis''}}
[[Category:Protozoa]]
[[Category:Gastrointestinal infections]]