Diarrhea is the hallmark of cyclosporiasis. Onset is abrupt, manifesting 1-14 days after exposure to a contaminated source. In an immunocompromised host, onset is more insidious and the condition becomes chronic; symptoms and shedding of oocysts continue indefinitely. The diarrhea is described as profuse, malodorous, and watery, and can cause dehydration and weight loss. Diarrhea may be associated with one or more nonspecific symptoms, including intermittent crampy abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, malaise, myalgias, anorexia, bloating, flatulence, and/or profound fatigue. These symptoms are indistinguishable from those of Isospora and Cryptosporidium infections.
Extraintestinal complications are uncommon. Acalculous cholecystitis with right upper quadrant pain, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and thickened gallbladder on ultrasound findings has been reported in an immunocompromised host infected with Cyclospora. Cyclospora infections rarely have been associated with Reiter syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Recurrences are common in immunocompromised hosts.
For more on the presentation of cyclosporiasis, read here.
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Cite this: Richard H. Sinert. Fast Five Quiz: Are You Familiar With Conditions Responsible for Recent Outbreaks? - Medscape - Jan 18, 2018.
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