Introduction:
Cyclosporiasis can be found worldwide. However, it seems to be most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. The risk of infection is seasonal in regions where cyclosporiasis has been prevalent. However, the time of year or the environmental factors, such as temperature or rainfall, have not been linked to any recurrent patterns.
Various imported fresh produce items, including raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro, have been linked to foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the United States; no commercially canned or frozen produce has been implicated thus far.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a food poisoning caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis (also called C. cayetanensis or Cyclospora). It results in gastrointestinal symptoms that can take a long time to subside, including watery, occasionally explosive diarrhea. Cyclospora infections can range from minor to life-threatening. If the immune system is compromised (weakened), such as cancer, HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), or taking immunosuppressive medications, one could be more likely to contract a serious infection.
What Is the Mode of Transmission for Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclospora infection occurs when individuals ingest food or water contaminated with feces containing the parasite. After being excreted in stool, Cyclospora requires approximately 1 to 2 weeks in the environment to become infectious for another individual. Due to this, direct person-to-person transmission is not the primary mode of spread.
Which Individuals Are Susceptible to Cyclosporiasis?
While prevalent in various global regions, Cyclospora is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. Various outbreaks of foodborne illness have been associated with different kinds of fresh produce, such as basil, snow peas, raspberries, mesclun, cilantro, and romaine lettuce. Cyclospora infection has not been linked to any commercially frozen or canned produce. In the United States, the majority of Cyclosporiasis cases typically occur from May to August.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis?
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically appear seven days after ingestion of sporulated oocysts. Cyclosporiasis symptoms may include the following:
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Watery diarrhea.
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Reduced appetite.
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Loss of weight.
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Abdominal cramps.
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Gas and flatulence.
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Fatigue.
The less frequent symptoms include;
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Low-grade fever.
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Vomiting.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms can last up to a month or longer if the patient is not treated. Symptoms may follow a cyclic pattern, with individuals appearing to improve for a few days before experiencing a worsening phase before the illness concludes. Some symptoms, like diarrhea, can relapse, and others, like fatigue, can linger even after the gastrointestinal symptoms have subsided. Typically, the infection is not fatal. Some people do not exhibit any symptoms, particularly those from tropical and subtropical regions where cyclosporiasis is endemic.
How Is Cyclosporiasis Diagnosed?
The stool specimen is examined under a microscope for Cyclospora eggs to determine the presence of cyclosporiasis. The likelihood of identifying the eggs can be increased by using specialized techniques. In some reference laboratories, molecular methods are available to identify parasite DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Doctors may use an endoscope, a flexible viewing tube, to examine the upper part of the digestive tract and get a sample of tissue, which will be examined under a microscope and tested for parasite DNA when a stool examination does not identify the cause of persistent diarrhea.
How Is Cyclosporiasis Treated?
Antibiotics are used in the treatment of cyclosporiasis. Additionally, the doctor might advise oral, IV, or anti-diarrheal medication. For cyclosporiasis, the doctor may employ some or all of the following therapies:
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Antibiotics: The two antibiotic combination Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is most useful for treating Cyclospora infections. If allergic to sulfa drugs, the doctor might recommend Ciprofloxacin.
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Anti-diarrheal drugs: Diphenoxylate-atropine or Loperamide are two examples of anti-diarrheal medications that the doctor may recommend or prescribe. By doing this, dehydration can be prevented. Additionally, it aids in the body's absorption of vital nutrients.
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Hydration: The doctor may administer specific fluids to rehydrate and replenish the patient with electrolytes (minerals that keep the body working efficiently).
The majority of patients with strong immune systems recover on their own. However, the illness could last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer if untreated. There may be several occasions when symptoms disappear and then return (relapse). A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking anti-diarrheal medication, though it may help reduce diarrhea. People with weakened immune systems or poor health may be more susceptible to serious or protracted illnesses.
How To Prevent Cyclosporiasis?
The best way to avoid contracting cyclosporiasis is to avoid any food or water that may have come into contact with feces. Travelers to areas where cyclosporiasis is expected (such as tropical and subtropical areas) should be aware that Cyclospora does not get affected by routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods used on water or food. There is no vaccine for cyclosporiasis.
Consumers and merchants should always abide by the guidelines for handling fruit and vegetables safely which include;
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Wash: Before handling or preparing fruits and vegetables, hands must be washed with soap and warm water. Washing fruits and vegetables, and cleaning raw meat, poultry, and seafood products. Cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counters must be cleaned with soap and hot water.
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Preparation: Before eating, chopping, or cooking, wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly under running water. A clean brush can be used to scrub firm fruits and vegetables like melons and cucumbers. Before preparing and consuming fruits and vegetables, the damaged or bruised areas must be discarded.
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Store: Fruits and vegetables that have been cut, peeled, or cooked should be refrigerated as soon as possible, ideally within two hours. Vegetables and fruits should be kept away from raw poultry, seafood, and meat.
Conclusion:
Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis. Plenty of water and fluids must be consumed to remain hydrated during cyclosporiasis. Medical help is needed if the patient has trouble swallowing food or liquids. A doctor must be consulted immediately if cyclosporiasis is suspected, especially in cases of several watery diarrhea episodes per day, or if the individual has a weakened immune system or any signs of infectious disease. Reaching out to healthcare providers may be beneficial.
