Cyclosporiasis

[Sommer]

Cyclosporiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The main symptoms are watery diarrhea with abdominal cramping and nausea.

People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming imported food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms may be more severe in people with a weakened immune system, such as people with AIDS.
Symptoms vary but include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and weight loss.
Doctors diagnose the infection by identifying Cyclospora in a sample of stool.
Trimethoprim /sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is used to treat cyclosporiasis.

(See also Overview of Parasitic Infections.)
Cyclosporiasis is most common in tropical and subtropical climates where sanitation is poor. Residents and travelers to endemic areas are at risk. In the United States, outbreaks of this infection have been attributed to imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro.