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Cyclospora: a newly identified protozoan pathogen of man
N E Nassef1, S A el-Ahl, O K el-Shafee
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, El-Menoufia University, Egypt.
Abstract:
A newly recognized protozoan human parasite, Cyclospora spp. has been incriminated as the cause of prolonged diarrhoea. It has been isolated from children, immunocompetent and immunocompromised adults. One hundred and thirty immunocompetent patients, 80 children and 50 adults; their illness was characterized by prolonged watery diarrhoea, were enrolled in this study. Stool sediments were examined as wet mounts and stained by both, modified Ziehl-Neelsen and aniline carbol methyl violet stains. The protozoan pathogen was identified as spherical bodies measuring 9-10 microns in diameter in about 9% and 10% in both children and adult groups respectively. The mean duration of illness was 28 +/- 8 and 37 +/- 12 days and the frequency of stool motions was > 5/day with normal mucosal pattern on colonoscopic studies for adults group. It is concluded from the present study that cyclosporiosis is quite similar to cryptosporidiosis and both oocysts have the affinty to acid fast stain so the present recommendations for all laboratories screening stool for cryptosporidia should measure the oocyst to distinguish between these different parasites and there is obviously a great deal more to learn about this emerging protozoon.
Insights
Cyclospora spp. causes prolonged diarrhea in children and adults. Diagnosis involves microscopic stool examination, distinguishing it from Cryptosporidium due to oocyst size.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cyclospora spp. is an emerging protozoan parasite causing prolonged diarrhea.
- It affects both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, including children and adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize Cyclospora spp. infections in patients with prolonged diarrhea.
- To differentiate Cyclospora from Cryptosporidium based on morphological and staining characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of stool sediments using wet mounts.
- Staining techniques including modified Ziehl-Neelsen and aniline carbol methyl violet.
- Colonoscopic evaluation in adult patients.
Main Results:
- Cyclospora oocysts, measuring 9-10 microns, were identified in approximately 9-10% of pediatric and adult cases.
- Illness duration averaged 28 days in children and 37 days in adults, with frequent watery stools.
- Colonoscopic findings in adults showed a normal mucosal pattern.
Conclusions:
- Cyclosporiasis presents similarly to cryptosporidiosis and shares an affinity for acid-fast staining.
- Laboratories should measure oocyst size to differentiate Cyclospora from Cryptosporidium.
- Further research is needed to understand this emerging protozoan parasite.