Disease

Four <em>Cyclospora</em> oocysts from fresh stool stained using a modified acid-fast stain. The oocysts are variably acid fast (that is, they range from unstained to light pink to deep red or purple). (Credit: CDC/<a href=DPDx)" />

Four Cyclospora oocysts from fresh stool stained using a modified acid-fast stain. The oocysts are variably acid fast (that is, they range from unstained to light pink to deep red or purple). (Credit: CDC/DPDx)

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis begin an average of 7 days (range, 2 days to ≥2 weeks) after ingestion of sporulated oocysts (the infective form of the parasite).

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include the following:

  • Watery diarrhea (most common)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Cramping
  • Bloating
  • Increased gas
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue

Other symptoms that may occur but are less common include the following:

  • Vomiting
  • Low-grade fever

If a person ill from cyclosporiasis is not treated, symptoms can persist for several weeks to a month or more. Some symptoms, such as diarrhea, can return; and some symptoms, such as fatigue, may continue after the gastrointestinal symptoms have gone away. The infection usually is not life threatening. Some infected persons do not have any symptoms, particularly persons from areas where cyclosporiasis is endemic, such as tropical and subtropical regions.

Page last reviewed: May 11, 2018