Cyclosporiasis

Overview

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic intestinal infection caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis — a microscopic protozoan spread by contaminated fresh produce (berries, bagged salad, basil, cilantro, snow peas) and water. The current U.S. outbreak has driven a surge in cases; symptoms typically start 7–10 days after exposure and include watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, gas, low-grade fever, profound fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. Untreated illness can relapse for weeks. Diagnosis is a stool ova-and-parasite test with Cyclospora-specific PCR. First-line treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) for 7–10 days. Clindle evaluates suspected cyclosporiasis over video, orders stool testing at a lab near you, and prescribes Bactrim same-day when appropriate.