20 Jul What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis? An Infectious Disease Expert Explains Transmission, Seasonality, and Treatment
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Amesh A. Adalja, MD, FACP, FACEP, FIDSA
Spokesperson, Infectious Diseases Society of America
Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
Dr. Adalja[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com: What type of organism is Cyclospora cayetanensis?
Dr. Adalja: It is a protozoan parasite.
MedicalResearch.com: Where is it found? What are the symptoms of infection?
Dr. Adalja: Cases occur worldwide, but it is endemic in the tropics and subtropics.
MedicalResearch.com: How is it spread? Why does it occur periodically? Is there more spread during warm weather?
Dr. Adalja: It is spread when a human ingests an infective oocyst of Cyclospora. Its seasonal nature varies from place to place, and in countries like the United States and Canada, the risk is primarily related to importation of contaminated food products. Certain soil conditions are more conducive to the oocysts than others.