Cyclospora cayetanensis

Unicellular coccidian parasite, mature or sporulated oocysts cause intestinal infection.

Incubation Period

Usually about 1 week, possible range of 1 - 14 days.

Symptoms

Watery diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, stomach cramps and bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and low-grade fever.

Illness Duration

If un-treated, illness may last for 10 - 12 weeks. Relapse of symptoms may occur after periods of recovery. Extreme fatigue is common.

Complications

Asymptomatic infections are possible. Biliary disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, reactive arthritis, acalculus cholecystitis, pulmonary infection and low hemoglobin concentration, may occur in immune compromised persons. It may be possible that Bell?s Palsy also may follow cyclospora chronic infections.

Infective Dose

The infective dose is unknown, but may be low.

Treatments

Treatment is a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim. Supportive measures include management of fluid and electrolyte balance, and rest.

Testing

Identification of this parasite in stool requires special laboratory tests that may not be routinely done, your health care provider should specifically request testing.

Communicability

Direct person-to-person (fecal-oral) transmission of Cyclospora is unlikely. However, indirect transmission can occur if an infected person contaminates the environment and oocysts have sufficient time to mature outside the host.

Nationally Notifiable

Notifiable at the National Level.