As of July 30th, 2013, there have been 378 cases of Cyclospora infection from multiple states in the US. Cyclospora is most common in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and is spread via fecal-oral route. While the cause of the most recent outbreak is unknown, outbreaks in the US are generally foodborne.
- Concentrated Stool Ova and Parasites— viewed under modified acid fast or fluorescence microscopy (labs can submit photos to the CDC for “telediagnosis”)
Treatment:
- TMP-SMX DS one tab po bid x7-10 days
- No effective alternate for failed treatment or sulfa allergy
- Most will recover without treatment but S/S can persist for weeks to months
Bottom Line:
Consider Cyclospora as a cause of prolonged diarrheal illness, treat with TMP-SMX.
University of Maryland Section of Global Emergency Health
