Cyclospora cayetanensis causes which intestinal illness?

Cyclospora cayetanensis causes which intestinal illness?

• A. Amoebiasis
• B. Cyclosporiasis
• C. Giardiasis
• D. Ascariasis

Answer: (B)

Cyclospora cayetanensis causes cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness contracted from ingesting sporulated oocysts in contaminated food or water, often from fresh produce. The infection targets the small intestine and produces prolonged or relapsing watery diarrhea, sometimes with nausea, weight loss, and abdominal cramps. In the lab, oocysts in stool are detected with microscopy using staining that highlights their characteristic acid-fast properties. This organism is distinct from other intestinal infections: amoebiasis comes from Entamoeba histolytica, giardiasis from Giardia lamblia, and ascariasis from Ascaris lumbricoides.

Cyclospora cayetanensis causes cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness contracted from ingesting sporulated oocysts in contaminated food or water, often from fresh produce. The infection targets the small intestine and produces prolonged or relapsing watery diarrhea, sometimes with nausea, weight loss, and abdominal cramps. In the lab, oocysts in stool are detected with microscopy using staining that highlights their characteristic acid-fast properties. This organism is distinct from other intestinal infections: amoebiasis comes from Entamoeba histolytica, giardiasis from Giardia lamblia, and ascariasis from Ascaris lumbricoides.