Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis (pronounced: sy-kloh-spoh-rye-uh-sis) is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite.
Etymology
The term "Cyclosporiasis" is derived from the name of the parasite that causes the infection, Cyclospora cayetanensis. The genus name Cyclospora is derived from the Greek words "kyklos", meaning circle, and "spora", meaning seed. This refers to the circular shape of the parasite's oocysts. The species name cayetanensis is named after Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, where the parasite was first identified.
Symptoms
Cyclosporiasis is characterized by watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.
Transmission
Cyclosporiasis is typically transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. The parasite is not spread directly from one person to another, as it needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of cyclosporiasis involves avoiding food or water that might be contaminated with the parasite. Treatment typically involves a course of the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). For people who are allergic to sulfa drugs, alternative treatments may be used.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cyclosporiasis
- Wikipedia's article - Cyclosporiasis
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