Related Experiment Videos
Cyanobacteria-like body (CLB) in travellers with diarrhea
J Gascón1, M Corachan, M E Valls
1Sección de Medicina Tropical, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, Faculty of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Cyanobacteria-like body (CLB) causes a travelers' disease (TD) syndrome, primarily diarrhea, fatigue, and cramps. This agent has been observed in travelers returning from Asia and Latin America, with recurrent episodes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cyanobacteria-like body (CLB) is an emerging infectious agent.
- CLB is associated with travelers' disease (TD) presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Observation:
- Six cases of CLB infection were identified over 16 months.
- Patients presented with fatigue, watery diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Weight loss was noted in some affected individuals.
Findings:
- CLB infection leads to a recurrent syndrome.
- The syndrome is characterized by persistent gastrointestinal distress.
- Geographic association with travel to Asia and Latin America.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for increased awareness of CLB among clinicians.
- Suggests CLB as a potential cause of unexplained travelers' diarrhea.
- Further research is warranted to understand CLB pathogenesis and treatment.
Abstract:
The cyanobacteria-like body (CLB) is a recently described agent, causing a travellers' disease (TD) syndrome characterized mainly by diarrhea. It has been described in travellers who have visited Asia and Latin America. We report 6 cases seen over a 16-month period among those attending a travellers' clinic. All patients suffered from fatigue, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps; some also lost weight. The episodes were recurrent.