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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSome people infected with the microscopic parasite that causes cyclospora infection develop no signs or symptoms. For others, the main indications of the infection are:
- Watery diarrhea
- Frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements
If you're otherwise healthy, the diarrhea may end by itself within a few days, or it may become chronic, lasting for weeks. If you have a compromised immune system, such as from HIV or other chronic illness, the infection can last for months if not treated.
For some people, bouts of diarrhea may alternate with bouts of constipation. Signs and symptoms usually begin within two to 11 days of eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Burping
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
- General feeling of unwellness (malaise)
When to see a doctor
There are many possible causes of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. If you develop persistent diarrhea that lasts several days or recurs, contact your doctor so that he or she can identify the cause and recommend treatment. If you've eaten a food that's been recalled because of a cyclospora outbreak, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Information for health care providers: Cyclospora infection or cyclosporiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cyclospora/healthcare_cyclospora.htm. Accessed July 15, 2009.
- Weller PF, et al. Cyclospora infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 15, 2009.
- Fisk TL, et al. Cyclospora. In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Bennett and Dolin: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/149885464-3/863193603/1259/2282.html#4-u1.0-B0-443-06643-4..50284-1--cesec1_8789. Accessed July 15, 2009.
- WGO practice guideline: Acute diarrhea. Munich, Germany: World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=12679&nbr=006567&string=dehydration. Accessed July 29, 2009.
- Bitterman RA, et al. Acute gastroenteritis: Protozoan gastrointestinal infection. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/149885464-3/863193603/1365/282.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50098-6--cesec129_4708. Accessed July 15, 2009.
