Overview
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic gut infection caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis. It spreads through fresh produce and water contaminated with the parasite's oocysts — recent U.S. outbreaks have been traced to bagged salad, berries, basil, cilantro, and snow peas. Symptoms usually start 7–10 days after exposure. Without treatment, illness can drag on for weeks and relapse. The good news: it's easy to diagnose with a stool test and highly treatable with a common antibiotic (Bactrim).
Symptoms to watch for
- Watery, non-bloody diarrhea — sometimes explosive
- Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
- Cramping, bloating, and increased gas
- Profound fatigue that lingers for weeks
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Low-grade fever and body aches
- Symptoms that come and go in waves — the hallmark of untreated Cyclospora
What else could this be?
- Ordinary food poisoning (norovirus, Salmonella) — usually clears in 2–3 days, not weeks
- Giardiasis — another parasite, greasy stools and burping are more prominent
- C. diff — recent antibiotics, foul odor, bloody
- IBS flare — no fever, chronic pattern predates any produce exposure
- IBD (Crohn's/UC) — often bloody, systemic features
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis is a stool ova-and-parasite (O&P) test with Cyclospora-specific PCR or a modified acid-fast stain. Routine stool cultures do not detect Cyclospora. Because the parasite sheds intermittently, sometimes 2–3 stool samples on different days are needed. Clindle orders the correct panel at a lab near you.
Treatment
First-line treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim / TMP-SMX) — typically one double-strength tablet twice daily for 7–10 days. Immunocompromised patients need longer courses. For sulfa allergy, options are limited (nitazoxanide has been used off-label). Loperamide alone won't fix it — the parasite must be treated. Rehydration with oral rehydration solution matters throughout.
When to book a visit
Book a same-day Clindle visit if you've had more than a few days of watery diarrhea — especially after eating fresh berries, salad greens, herbs, or produce linked to an outbreak. We order the right stool test and prescribe Bactrim when appropriate.
Book online todayFrequently asked
How is cyclosporiasis spread?
By eating or drinking fresh produce or water contaminated with Cyclospora oocysts. It doesn't spread person-to-person like norovirus.
How long does cyclosporiasis last without treatment?
Weeks to months, often with a relapsing pattern. With Bactrim, most patients improve within a few days.
Which foods are linked to outbreaks?
Fresh raspberries, blackberries, bagged salad greens, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and imported produce have all been implicated. Cooking kills the parasite; the risk is with raw produce.
Can Clindle prescribe Bactrim same-day?
Yes — after a video visit and once the stool test is ordered. For clear-cut cases in an outbreak setting, empirical treatment can start while results are pending.
Is cyclosporiasis contagious to family members?
Not directly. But everyone who ate the same contaminated produce may be at risk. Watch household members for the same symptoms.