In News:

A widespread outbreak of cyclo­sporiasis has been reported in the United States, prompting health authorities to issue advisories regarding the consumption of contaminated food and water.

About Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne intestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The infection primarily spreads through the consumption of food or water contaminated with faeces containing the parasite and does not spread directly from person to person.

Transmission and Symptoms

The disease is transmitted through the faeco-oral route, most commonly by consuming contaminated raw fresh produce or unsafe drinking water.

The hallmark symptom is prolonged watery diarrhoea, which may be accompanied by:

• Fatigue
• Stomach cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea

The infection can be particularly severe in children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

Complications

If left untreated, cyclosporiasis may lead to:

• Malabsorption (poor absorption of nutrients)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Reactive arthritis

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is often challenging because the parasite is shed intermittently in stool. Confirmation generally requires:

• Stool PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing, or
• Microscopic examination of stool samples, often collected over multiple days.

The standard treatment is a 7–10 day course of the antibiotic Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), along with adequate hydration.

Prevention

Most outbreaks have been linked to contaminated raw fruits and vegetables, particularly:

• Leafy greens
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Basil
• Cilantro

Since routine chemical disinfectants may not completely eliminate the parasite, prevention relies on:

• Thorough washing of fruits and vegetables under clean running water.
• Safe drinking water.
• Proper hand hygiene and sanitation.