From the Guidelines
Cyclosporiasis is a protozoan infection characterized by watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal bloating and cramping, increased flatus, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever.
Comparison to Other Infections
- Compared to cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis, cyclosporiasis has similar symptoms, but the severity and duration of the illness can vary.
- Cryptosporidiosis is more likely to be severe, chronic, or relapsing in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with impaired cell-mediated immunity.
- Isosporiasis can also cause chronic diarrhea in immunocompromised patients, but it is less common than cryptosporidiosis.
Potential Complications
- Cyclosporiasis can lead to malabsorption, weight loss, and dehydration if left untreated or if treatment is delayed.
- Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are at higher risk of developing severe or chronic cyclosporiasis.
Incubation Period
- The incubation period of cyclosporiasis is typically 1-14 days, with a median of 7 days 1.
Treatment
- The treatment of choice for cyclosporiasis is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) 160 mg/800 mg twice daily for 7 days 2.
- Alternative treatments, such as ciprofloxacin, may be used in patients who are intolerant to TMP-SMZ.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of cyclosporiasis is typically made by microscopic examination of stool samples for the presence of Cyclospora oocysts 3.
- Multipathogen nucleic acid amplification tests can also be used to detect Cyclospora and other enteric pathogens.
From the Research
Characteristics of Cyclosporiasis
- Cyclosporiasis is an emerging enteric coccidian parasitic disease worldwide, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis 4.
- The disease can cause protracting and relapsing gastroenteritis, and has been linked to huge and complicated travel- and food-related outbreaks worldwide 5.
- Cyclospora cayetanensis can infect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons, with a higher prevalence in immunocompromised patients 4.
- The median age of patients with cyclosporiasis is 38.5 years, with males outnumbering females 4.
Comparison to Cryptosporidiosis and Isosporiasis
- Cyclosporiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and isosporiasis are all caused by intestinal spore-forming protozoa, and have similar epidemiology, disease pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment 6.
- All three diseases can cause diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, and disordered architecture, and can be transmitted through contaminated water or food 7, 6.
- However, cyclosporiasis has a longer incubation period and more recurring symptoms compared to cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis 8.
Potential Complications
- Cyclosporiasis can cause severe diarrhea, intestinal injury, and prolonged diarrhea, especially in immunocompromised patients 4, 6.
- The disease can also cause malabsorption, and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated 6.
- Coinfection with other pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium spp., can also occur 4.