Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is a disease caused by infection by oocytes of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a pathogenic apicomplexan protozoan. The infection is primarily transmitted through food and water contaminated with feces.
The transmission of the pathogen is often associated with poor sanitation standards. Because the oocysts of Cyclospora must sporulate in the environment for 1–2 weeks before they become infectious, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
The primary symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea. While most cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe disease—which can lead to death due to extreme dehydration—may occur, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and immunocompromised individuals.
Infections occur worldwide, with a high prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions. Since the 2010s, seasonal outbreaks have also been reported in the United States during the summer months, frequently linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables.
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