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Cyclosporiasis in an infant

R N Iyer1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Global Hospitals, Hyderabad - 500 004, Andhra Pradesh, India. ranganathaniyer@yahoo.com

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|May 12, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Cyclospora infection, or cyclosporiasis, was diagnosed in an infant presenting with crying and feeding refusal. Modified ZN staining of stool smears identified Cyclospora oocysts when other tests were negative.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in infants presenting with non-specific symptoms.

Observation:

  • A seven-month-old infant exhibited incessant crying and refusal of feeds.
  • Standard diagnostic tests for enteric pathogens were unrevealing.

Findings:

  • Routine modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stained stool smears revealed the presence of Cyclospora oocysts.
  • This diagnostic method proved effective when other tests failed.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering Cyclospora in infant gastrointestinal illness.
  • Emphasizes the critical role of the clinical laboratory in comprehensive pathogen screening.
  • Suggests modified ZN staining as a valuable tool for diagnosing cyclosporiasis in challenging cases.

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