Cyclosporosis

Cause and Transmission (Epidemiology):

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan (one-celled eukaryote). Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting water or food that was contaminated with already contaminated feces. Many outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce, such as strawberries. It is rarely spread from animals or people to other people because it takes days or weeks for the protist to become infectious.

How It Affects the Body (Pathogenesis):

Cyclospora infects the small intestine and signs and symptoms typically begin within 1 week and last for several days. It usually causes watery, frequent, and sometimes explosive diarrhea. Other symptoms can (but don't always) include loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating and gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and fatigue. It is usually treated with a combination of two antibiotics and replenishing lost fluids.

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