cyclosporiasis

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Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by protozoa of the genus Cyclospora. The predominant symptoms are recurrent gastrointestinal disease and watery diarrhea. Although anyone is susceptible to the infection, those with altered immune systems, or with AIDS, are often more vulnerable to the disease.

Last updated: June 08, 2004.

Definition

Cyclosporiasis refers to infection by the spore-forming protozoan known as Cyclospora. Protozoa are a group of parasites that infect the human intestine. Parasites are organisms that live in another body, called the host, and get food and liquids from that host. This parasite is a member of the group of protozoa known as coccidia, to which Cryptosporidia also belongs. This group of parasites infects the human intestine, and causes chronic recurrent infections in those with altered immunity or AIDS. Even in people with normal immune function, Cyclopsora can cause prolonged bouts of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Description

Until recently, Cyclospora was considered to be a form of algae. The parasite causes a common form of waterborne infectious diarrhea throughout the world. Just how the parasite gets into water sources is not yet clear. It is known that ingestion of small cysts in contaminated water leads to disease.

— David Kaminstein, MD