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Published on: March 10, 2020
Cyclosporiasis: a point source outbreak acquired in Guatemala
Sabino Puente1, Adolfo Morente, Teresa García-Benayas
1Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. sabino.puente@terra.es
Journal of Travel Medicine
|November 17, 2006
Summary
Cyclosporiasis, caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, is a significant cause of travelers' diarrhea. Prompt laboratory diagnosis is crucial to avoid false negatives and ensure effective treatment, as seen in a Guatemalan outbreak treated with trimethoprim/sulphametoxazol.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cyclosporiasis is an emerging parasitic disease caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis.
- It is orally transmitted and prevalent in tropical/subtropical regions, often linked to imported foods.
- Cyclospora cayetanensis is a recognized cause of travelers' diarrhea and epidemic outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of a Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes for cyclosporiasis.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study analyzing clinical and epidemiological data.
- Focused on a small epidemic outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis-induced gastroenteritis.
Main Results:
- Seven confirmed cases in Spanish travelers to Antigua Guatemala with a 6-day incubation period.
- Common symptoms included diarrhea, asthenia, anorexia, and abdominal distension; heartburn was notably frequent.
- All cases resolved with trimethoprim/sulphametoxazol, with raspberry juice identified as the probable source.
Conclusions:
- Cyclosporiasis is an important cause of travelers' diarrhea.
- Parasitology labs require clinical suspicion for targeted Cyclospora cayetanensis testing to prevent false negatives.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing cyclosporiasis.
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