Risk Factors and Prevalence
Cyclospora is a prevalent parasite found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and India. Travelers who visit these areas are at a higher risk of contracting cyclosporiasis. However, outbreaks can occur anywhere and have been on the rise in the United States since 2014. While anyone can contract the infection, certain groups, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing cyclosporiasis can be challenging due to the similarity of its symptoms to those of various other illnesses. Medical professionals rely on symptoms and patient history to make a diagnosis, and laboratory tests can provide confirmation. To ensure accuracy, doctors often ask patients to provide multiple stool samples over several days since the protozoa responsible for the infection may not be present in every bowel movement. Additionally, doctors may conduct tests for other common pathogens to eliminate them as potential causes.