Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. People living or traveling in countries where cyclosporiasis is endemic may be at increased risk for infection.
How is Cyclospora cayetanensis treated?
Treatment for cyclospora infection is a combination antibiotic known as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra). If you’re unable to take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, your doctor may prescribe ciprofloxacin or nitazoxanide (Alinia).
What foods contain Cyclospora cayetanensis?
Cyclospora is found in many parts of the world but is most common in tropical and subtropical regions. Foodborne outbreaks have been linked to various types of fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mesclun and romaine lettuce.
How do you get Cyclospora infection?
Cyclospora is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Infection spreading directly from one person to another is unlikely. Outbreaks in the United States have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as cilantro, salad mix, basil, snow peas, and raspberries.
What are the symptoms of Cyclospora Cayetanensis?
Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
How serious is Cyclospora?
Although these symptoms are often unpleasant, cyclospora doesn’t usually pose a serious threat to health and can be easily treated using antibiotics. Some people with cyclospora don’t have any symptoms. These are usually people who have grown up in a developing country and been previously exposed to the parasite.
How long does cyclospora Cayetanensis 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 are the symptoms of cyclospora Cayetanensis?
How many people have died from Cyclospora?
At least 41 people have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported. Click on graphic to enlarge. Cyclosporiasis illnesses develop from infections by the Cyclospora parasite, a microscopic organism. Illnesses are reported year-round in the United States.
How long does Cyclospora Cayetanensis last?
How do you know if you have Cyclospora?
Symptoms
- Frequent, watery diarrhea.
- Bouts of diarrhea alternating with bouts of constipation.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Bloating, flatulence and burping.
- Stomach cramps.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Muscle aches.
- Fever.
Can you get parasites from lettuce?
More than 100 people in the Midwest have been sickened by a parasite infection linked to bagged salad mixes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. A total of 122 people had confirmed cases of Cyclospora infections, an intestinal parasite that can cause diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Where does Cyclospora come from?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a widespread infectious parasite. It is most commonly found in tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia, though it frequently appears in other regions on imported food products.
