Cyclospora infection
About Cyclospora infection
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramping. Patients become infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with the parasite. The infection may also be referred to as Cyclosporiasis. The Cyclospora parasite is very small having only one cell, and it can only be diagnosed by using a special test of a stool sample. Patients with normal immune systems will usually recover without definitive treatment although the symptoms can last up to a month. Those with weakened immune systems or those in poor health can have more serious infections including severe dehydration requiring hospital admission.Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 1 week after becoming infected. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea and it can be large amounts and occur frequently. Other symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, increased gas, and fatigue. Signs of severe dehydration include: fainting, confusion, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, dry mouth, decreased urination, lack of sweating, no tears when crying, and sunken eyes.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. A special test must be performed to detect the parasite in the stool and is many times not found unless the healthcare provider specifically asks the laboratory to look for the cyclospora parasite. Other blood tests may be done if the healthcare provider is concerned about dehydration.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Stool for ova and parasites.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
The antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bacrtim, Septra) is used to treat the infection. If patients cannot take trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole some authorities recommend ciprofloxacin (Cipro). If patients are dehydrated they should receive oral hydration, and for severe cases will need hospitalization and intravenous hydration.Medical specialties
Gastroenterology · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Gastroenterology · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Cyclospora infection.