Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora cayetanensis)
1996 Case Definition
1996 Case Definition
Clinical Description
An illness of variable severity caused by the protozoan Cyclospora cayetanensis and commonly characterized by watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal bloating and cramping, increased flatus, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Vomiting also may be noted. Relapses and asymptomatic infections can occur.
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
Demonstration of Cyclospora oocysts (by morphologic criteria or by demonstration of sporulation) or Cyclospora DNA (by polymerase chain reaction) in stool, duodenal/jejunal aspirates or small-bowel biopsy specimens
Case Classification
Probable
A clinically compatible case that is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case
Confirmed
A case that is laboratory confirmed
Comments
Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely because Cyclospora oocysts are not infectious at the time of excretion.