Description Cyclospora is a par...
Description
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramping. Patients become infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with the parasite. The Cyclospora parasite is very small having only one cell, and it can only be diagnosed by using a special test of a stool sample. Patients with normal immune systems will usually recover without definitive treatment although the symptoms can last up to a month. Those with weakened immune systems or those in poor health can have more serious symptoms including dehydration requiring hospital admission.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 1 week after becoming infected. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea and it can be large amounts and occur frequently. Other symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, increased gas, and fatigue. Signs of severe dehydration include: fainting, confusion, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, dry mouth, decreased urination, lack of sweating, no tears when crying, and sunken eyes.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. A special test must be performed to detect the parasite in the stool and is many times not found unless the healthcare provider specifically asks the laboratory to look for the Cyclospora parasite. Other blood tests may be done if the healthcare provider is concerned about dehydration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Ova and parasite (O&P)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. A special test must be performed to detect the parasite in the stool and is many times not found unless the healthcare provider specifically asks the laboratory to look for the Cyclospora parasite. Other blood tests may be done if the healthcare provider is concerned about dehydration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Ova and parasite (O&P)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
The antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) is used to treat the infection. If patients are dehydrated they should receive oral hydration, and for severe cases will need hospitalization with intravenous hydration.