Cyclosporiasis is usually diagnosed symptomatically in clinical settings, including the presence of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and bloating. In untreated, immunocompetent people, the diarrhea can last from days to weeks to a month or more and can wax and wane, with variable oocyst shedding. Oocysts can continue to be shed (intermittently or continuously) by non-symptomatic people, and symptoms can also persist in the absence of oocysts in feces. In a clinical context, conventional diagnosis usually involves microscopic examination of intestinal tissue biopsy sections, stool samples for the presence of developmental stages of Cyclospora, or advanced molecular testing for DNA. Improved specificity and sensitivity have been possible largely through the use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which enables the specific amplification of genetic loci from tiny amounts of genomic DNA of Cyclospora. Because of the intermittent nature of oocyst shedding and the low numbers of this stage in feces, it is recommended that multiple stool samples be collected at 2-3 day intervals over a period of more than a week, to increase the likelihood of identifying the disease microscopically.
Foodborne Illnesses / Cyclospora /
How is Cyclospora Diagnosed?
Cyclospora outbreaks and recalls
September 30, 2023
What are the Advancements in the Diagnosis of Cyclospora
Cyclosporiasis is usually diagnosed symptomatically in clinical settings, including the presence of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and bloating. In untreated, immunocompetent people, the diarrhea can last from days to weeks...
July 12, 2023
The Health Effects of Cyclospora Exposure
Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite, nausea, low-grade fever, and fatigue. In some cases, vomiting, explosive...
June 29, 2023
Marler Clark Files the Second Case in National Cyclospora Outbreak - Food Poisoning Sickens 210 in 22 States
The Cyclospora attorneys at Marler Clark have filed the second lawsuit in a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened 210 individuals in 22 states. The lawsuit was filed on behalf...
June 23, 2023
Marler Clark Files the First Case in National Cyclospora Outbreak
Ouray, CO – The Cyclospora attorneys at Marler Clark have filed the first lawsuit in a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened 210 individuals in 22 states. The lawsuit was...