If you have cyclospora, see a doctor, who can prescribe an antibiotic (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Drink plenty of fluids while recovering.
What it is
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection from the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It spreads through contaminated fresh produce or water.
Symptoms
Watery diarrhea, cramps, bloating, fatigue and weight loss. They start about 7 days after exposure and can last weeks without treatment.
Treatment
See a doctor. The standard treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Drink fluids.
Test
A stool test. Ask for Cyclospora testing specifically.
Prevention
Wash produce and avoid risky raw produce abroad.
Parasite and illness profile
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection. It spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, most often fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, bagged salad mixes and snow peas. The CDC reports cases mostly in spring and summer, with several hundred to over 1,000 domestically acquired cases some years.
- Symptoms start about 7 days (range 2 to 14) after exposure: watery diarrhea, bloating, cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss.
- Without treatment, symptoms can last weeks to months and may relapse.
- Diagnosis uses stool tests that specifically look for Cyclospora, because it is not found on routine tests.
Treatment and prevention
Treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) for 7 to 10 days. No good alternative exists for sulfa-allergic patients, so a doctor guides care. Stay hydrated. Prevention includes washing produce under running water, though washing does not remove all parasites, plus safe travel water practices. Tell the doctor if diarrhea lasts over a week or you have recently traveled.
Parasite and illness profile
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite spread by contaminated fresh produce and water, causing watery diarrhea, bloating and cramping, with symptoms starting about a week after exposure. The CDC reports hundreds to thousands of cases yearly, with summer peaks.
Treatment and prevention
Treatment is trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole prescribed by a doctor. Stay hydrated. Wash produce, though it may not remove the parasite. Contact a doctor if diarrhea lasts over a few days.
The parasite and how it spreads
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. It spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, not directly from person to person. In the United States outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce such as cilantro, basil, bagged salad mix and raspberries, mostly between May and August. The CDC counts a few thousand domestically acquired cases in some summers.
Symptoms and treatment
Symptoms begin about 7 days after exposure and include watery diarrhea, cramps, bloating, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss, and can last weeks and relapse. Diagnosis requires a stool test specifically for Cyclospora since routine tests miss it. The treatment is trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for 7 to 10 days. Wash produce, but rinsing does not reliably remove the parasite.
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization
