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[Cyclospora in 2 Mexican children]
M Ponce-Macotela1, C Cob-Sosa, M N Martínez-Gordillo
1Investigación Parasitología, 80. piso. Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, México, D.F. México.
Insights
This study identifies Cyclospora infection in two children, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic. Early detection of Cyclospora oocysts is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of this enteropathogen.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cyclospora is an emerging enteropathogen recently described.
- Accurate diagnosis of Cyclospora infection is essential, particularly in regions where it may be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of Cyclospora infection are presented, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic.
- Symptoms in the symptomatic child included abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, bruxism, and self-limiting watery diarrhea.
- Unsporulated Cyclospora oocysts (8.44 ± 0.146 µm) were detected in fecal samples using Faust's concentration technique.
Findings:
- Confirmation of Cyclospora infection was achieved via Ziehl-Neelsen staining, revealing characteristic sporulated oocysts with two sporocysts.
- The findings highlight the presence of Cyclospora in Mexico, suggesting potential underdiagnosis or confusion with Cryptosporidium.
Implications:
- This report underscores the importance of considering Cyclospora in the differential diagnosis of diarrheal illnesses in children, especially in endemic areas.
- Improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness are needed to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely management of Cyclospora infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of Cyclospora in Mexico.
Abstract:
We report two patients, one symptomatic and another asymptomatic, infected with Cyclospora an enteropathogen recently described. The symptoms were: abdominal pain, hiporexia, vomit, bruxism, watery diarrhea 3 or 4 times in a day but self-limiting after 24 to 72 hours. In both children there were unsporulated oocysts with a diameter of 8.44 +/- 0.146 microns detected in feces concentrated by Faust's technique; the confirmation was achieved with a Ziehl-Neelsen stain and the observation of sporulated oocysts (two sporocysts per oocyst). In Mexico, Cyclospora is perhaps overlooked or it is mistaken with oocysts of Cryptosporidium.