Cyclosporiasis refers to a parasitic infection that affects the small intestine and is caused by a microscopic organism known as Cyclospora cayetanensis. The primary mode of transmission for this infection is through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated cyclosporiasis as a nationally reportable disease in the United States back in 1999. Since its initial discovery in 1979, the incidence of cyclosporiasis has witnessed a significant increase in the United States and other developed countries. This surge is believed to be linked to the wider availability of imported produce.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis
When infected with cyclosporiasis, the symptoms typically appear between two to 11 days after the initial infection. The most prevalent symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea, although some individuals may experience alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Additional symptoms include loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can persist for up to four weeks. It is important to note that some people may have cyclospora infections without showing any symptoms.
Causes
In the case of cyclosporiasis, the cause can be traced back to the reproduction of the cyclospora parasite within the intestines of an infected individual. While the young protozoa are not infectious when they are excreted in the bowel movement, they go through a maturation process and become infectious within a span of seven to eleven days. The infection spreads when people consume food or water that has been contaminated with infected feces. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, lettuce, basil, cilantro, and snow peas are commonly identified as carriers of the parasite. It is worth noting that there have been no reported cases of cyclosporiasis associated with canned or frozen foods in the United States.