Cyclosporiasis: symptoms, prevention & treatment

Cyclospora cayetanensis: symptoms of infection

Cyclospora infects the small intestine, typically causing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms such as;

• profuse watery diarrhea,
• sometimes explosive bowel movements, and
• abdominal cramping.

Other symptoms can also include nausea, fatigue, low-grade fever, anorexia, and weight loss.

In more severe disease mucus or blood can be found in the stool which occurs most commonly in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients such as those living with HIV/AIDS. Symptoms in these hosts can include acalculous cholecystitis. Guillain-Barré syndrome, ocular inflammation, reactive arthritis, and sterile urethritis have also been reported [1].

Travelers from non-endemic countries are likely to experience more severe infection. Prolonged diarrhea can result in dehydration and malnutrition and may infrequently result in death, particularly in infants and individuals with other infections or co-morbidities.

Healthcare providers should consider Cyclospora as a potential cause of prolonged diarrheal illness, particularly in patients with a history of recent travel to Cyclospora-endemic areas.