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Cyclosporiasis in a traveler returning from South America

D Drenaggi1, O Cirioni, A Giacometti

  • 1Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, University of Ancona, Italy.

Journal of Travel Medicine
|October 17, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Cyclospora, a coccidian parasite, causes common worldwide intestinal infections in healthy individuals, not just rare opportunistic cases. This pathogen leads to prolonged diarrhea, fatigue, and anorexia, with a global distribution and unknown prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cyclospora, a coccidian parasite, was previously misidentified as a cyanobacterium-like body.
  • Its epidemiology shares similarities with Cryptosporidium parvum, another significant intestinal pathogen.

Observation:

  • Recent studies indicate Cyclospora is a common cause of intestinal infections globally.
  • These infections affect both healthy adults and children, challenging previous notions of it being a rare opportunistic pathogen.
  • Reported cases were previously linked primarily to travelers and immunocompromised individuals.

Findings:

  • Cyclospora species are distributed worldwide, with documented occurrences across Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
  • The true prevalence of Cyclospora infection in any given population remains undetermined.
  • Infection symptoms include prolonged, relapsing watery diarrhea, anorexia, fatigue, and myalgia; fever is uncommon.

Implications:

  • Increased recognition of Cyclospora as a common enteric pathogen is crucial for accurate diagnosis and public health surveillance.
  • Understanding its global distribution and prevalence is essential for developing effective prevention and control strategies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate transmission routes and risk factors in diverse populations.

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