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Cyclospora Infection or Cyclosporiasis (sigh-clo-spore-EYE-uh-sis)
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What is cyclosporiasis?
How is cyclosporiasis spread?
Who is at risk for Cyclospora infection?
What are the symptoms of infection?
How soon after infection will symptoms begin?
How long will symptoms last?
What should I do if I think I might be infected?
How is Cyclospora infection diagnosed?
How is infection treated?
I am allergic to sulfa drugs; is there another drug I can take?
How is infection prevented?
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclospora cayetanensis (SIGH-clo-SPORE-uh KYE-uh-tuh-NEN-sis) is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. The first known human cases of illness caused by Cyclospora infection (that is, cyclosporiasis) were reported in 1979. Cases began being reported more often in the mid-1980s. In the last several years, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the United States and Canada.
How is Cyclospora spread?
Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting something, for example, water or food that was contaminated with infected stool. For example, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce. 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 not known whether or not animals can be infected and pass infection to people.
Who is at risk for Cyclospora infection?
People of all ages are at risk for infection. In the past, Cyclospora infection was usually found in people who lived or traveled in developing countries. However, nowadays the infection is found worldwide.
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 people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.
How soon after infection will symptoms begin?
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week.
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).
What should I do if I think I might be infected?
If you think you might be infected with Cyclospora, see your health care provider.
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 might have your stool checked for other organisms that can cause similar symptoms.
How is infection treated?
The recommended treatment for infection with Cyclospora is a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim*, Septra*, or Cotrim*. People who have diarrhea should rest and drink plenty of fluids.
I am allergic to sulfa drugs; is there another drug I can take?
No alternative drugs have been identified yet for people with Cyclospora infection who are unable to take sulfa drugs. See your health care provider to discuss other possible treatment options.
How is infection prevented?
Avoiding water or food that may be contaminated with stool may help prevent Cyclospora infection. People who have previously been infected with Cyclospora can become infected again.
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* Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Public Health Service or by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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 a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.
Revised March 2004
Cyclospora Infection: Information for Health Care Providers
Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis
This page last reviewed April 16, 2004
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cyclospora/factsht_cyclospora.htm
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