Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 6

How will it be used in the investigation?

Step 1 of 2

Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis. It causes traveler’s diarrhea. Cyclosporiasis cases have been reported from worldwide, including, United States, Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Eastern Europe, Central America, Nepal and Australia. In 1995 outbreak was believed to have occurred due to consumption of contaminated food. Humans are the only hosts in which life cycle of C.cayetanensis is completed. Their oocysts are large and measure about 8-10 micrometer in diameter. Transmission of oocysts occurs through fecal-oral route.

Individuals raveling to the poorly developed, warm regions and immunocompromised patients are at the higher risk of contracting disease. The infection is caused mainly through ingestion of food contaminated with oocyst of C.cayetanensis. Three of the businessmen in Toronto were diagnosed with cyclosporiasis, after they came back from United States, in the year 1996. The outbreak that took place in United States was believed to have occurred after ingestion and importation of Guatemalan raspberries.