Cyclosporiasis overview

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the protozoan Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is transmitted by feces or feces-contaminated fresh produce and water. Outbreaks have been reported in imported raspberries. Fortunately it is not spread from person to person. It is commonly the cause of diarrhea for many travelers.

Causes

Cyclospora cayetanensis has been only recently identified as a single-celled coccidian parasite. The species designation was given in 1994 to Peruvian isolates of human-associated Cyclospora. It appears that all human cases are caused by this species.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Cyclosporiasis occurs in many countries, but the disease seems to be most common in tropical and subtropical regions. In areas where cyclosporiasis has been studied, the risk for infection is seasonal. However, no consistent pattern with respect to environmental conditions such as temperature or rainfall has been identified.

Risk Factors

People of all ages are at risk for infection. Persons living or traveling in tropical or subtropical regions may be at increased risk because cyclosporiasis is endemic (found) in some developing countries. Foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the United States and Canada have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce.