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What is Cyclosporiasis? |
Is a disease produced by the protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, previously known as cyanobacterium-like,that causes gastrointestinal infection.
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How is Cyclospora spread? |
Infection is acquired by ingestion of water or food contaminated with the parasite.
Cyclospora needs time (days or weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious. Therefore, it is unlikely that Cyclospora is passed directly from one person to another. It is unknown whether animals can be infected and pass infection to people.
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Who is at risk for infection? |
People of all ages are at risk for infection.Travelers to developing countries may be at increased risk for this infection, and the risk may vary with season.Infection can be acquired worldwide.
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What are the symptoms of infection? |
Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, substantial loss of weight, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and fatigue.Some persons first notice flu-like symptoms.
Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.
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How soon after infection will symptoms begin? |
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week.
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How long will symptoms last? |
If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse).
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What should I do if I think I may be infected? |
See your health care provider.
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How is Cyclospora infection diagnosed? |
Your health care provider will ask you to submit stool specimens to see if you are infected. Because testing for Cyclospora infection can be difficult, you may be asked to submit several stool specimens over several days. Identification of this parasite in stool requires special laboratory tests that are not routinely done. Therefore, your health care provider should specifically request testing for Cyclospora. Your health care provider may have your stool checked for other organisms that can cause similar symptoms.
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How is infection treated? |
The recommended treatment for infection with Cyclospora is a combination of two antibiotics, rimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim*, Septra*, or Cotrim*. People who have diarrhea should rest and drink plenty of fluids.No alternative drugs have been identified yet for people who are unable to take sulfa drugs
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Is there a vaccine avilable? |
No vaccine is available.People who have previously been infected with Cyclospora can become infected again.
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How is infection prevented? |
Avoiding water or food that may be contaminated with stool may help prevent Cyclospora infection.Travelers to developing countries are advised to follow the precautions included under "Risks From Food and Drink" . Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have another one, consult a health care provider.
