Biology

Identified as a coccidian protozoan parasite and named in early 1990’s. Humans are the only host for this species.

Figure 1. Two images of Cyclospora oocysts

(top: UV fluorescence microscopy; bottom: wet mount).

Life cycle

Transmission stage (oocyst) is spherical and 8-10 µm in diameter. Unsporulated (immature) oocysts are shed into the environment with the faeces of infected individuals. Oocysts undergo sporulation, becoming mature and infectious within 7-15 days.

Figure 2. Cyclospora cayetanensis life cycle (Source: CDC).

Transmission

Early outbreaks were waterborne. Since mid-1990’s foodborne outbreaks have been reported annually in Canada and the U.S. Foodborne outbreaks mainly associated with the consumption of fresh imported produce, including raspberries, blackberries, mesclun, basil, snow peas.

Figure 3. Foodborne outbreaks are mainly

associated with the consumption of fresh

imported produce, such as raspberries.

Prevalence

Reported worldwide; endemic in Haiti, Peru, Guatemala, Nepal; 151 cases reported in Canada in 2008

Susceptible populations

Immunocompromised persons, travellers

Symptoms

Diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue

Treatment

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is the drug of choice

Control measures

Good agricultural practices including use of filtered water in irrigation, mixing pesticides, processing, and washing hands and equipment; good worker hygiene (hand washing). Cyclospora is resistant to chemical disinfectants. At consumer/food handler level, good hygiene is important, washing of fruits and vegetables is recommended, when possible, cooking and freezing are effective in destroying Cyclospora.