CYCLOSPORA INFECTION

Question 1

Cyclospora Infection is an illness of variable severity caused by the protozoan Cyclospora cayetanensis and commonly characterized by?

Answer 1

Watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal bloating and cramping, increased flatus, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever. Vomiting may also be noted.

Relapse infection and asymptomatic infections can occur

Question 2

T/F

Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely because Cyclospora oocysts are not infectious at the time of excretion?

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What laboratory criteria is required for diagnosis?

Answer 3

Any of the following:
• Cyclospora oocysts in stool by microscopic examination;
• Cyclospora in intestinal fluid or small bowel biopsy specimens;
• Cyclospora demonstration of sporulation; or
• Cyclospora DNA (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) in stool, duodenal/jejunal aspirates or small bowel biopsy specimens.

Question 4

A case that meets the clinical description and at least one of the criteria for laboratory confirmation as
described above.

Answer 4

Confirmed

Question 5

A case that meets the clinical description and that is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.

Answer 5

Probable