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[Acute diarrhea associated with Cyclospora cayetanensis].
Irina Popovici1, Cătălina Dahorea, Aurica Rugină
1Disciplina de Microbiologie, Facultatea de Medicină, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi.
Summary
Cyclospora cayetanensis causes acute diarrhea in children, a significant health issue in developing nations. This case highlights the pathogen
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute diarrhea presents a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing countries, with high morbidity and mortality rates in children.
- Identifying the specific etiological agents of diarrhea is complex due to a wide range of pathogens and non-specific clinical presentations.
- Cyclospora cayetanensis, an acid-fast coccidian, has emerged as a notable cause of watery diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- This study details the first reported case of acute diarrhea attributed to Cyclospora cayetanensis in an immunocompetent child in Iaşi, Romania.
- The patient presented with symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection, requiring laboratory confirmation.
- Cyclospora cayetanensis infections are endemic in parts of Asia and South America and have been linked to foodborne outbreaks and infections in travelers.
Findings:
- Cyclospora cayetanensis was identified as the causative agent of acute diarrhea in the pediatric patient.
- Treatment with co-trimoxazole resulted in a favorable clinical outcome.
- Unlike Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora oocysts are nonsporulated when shed, indicating a lower risk of human-to-human transmission.
Implications:
- This case expands the known geographical distribution of Cyclospora cayetanensis infections.
- It underscores the importance of considering Cyclospora cayetanensis in the differential diagnosis of acute pediatric diarrhea, even in regions where it is not traditionally endemic.
- Early and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as co-trimoxazole, are crucial for managing Cyclospora infections and improving patient outcomes.