Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 7

Which would you use to investigate the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Texas? Why?

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. The oocysts of this protozoan have been found in many immunocompromised individuals with no travelling history as well as in immunocompromised travelers traveling to developing countries.

Direct or indirect ingestion of oocyst of Cyclospora cayetanensis cause the disease. Cyclosporiasis does not spread by any other means. Wall of oocyst is thick and bilayered which helps it to survive it in the harsh environment until it is ingested by the human host. Another feature that help the parasite in its survival is its fibrillar coat, as can be observed in the stools of infected patients. These fibrillar coats help the parasite to attach to the food materials like leaf basil or raspberries.