Cyclosporosis, a parasitic infection that progresses in bagged salads

Little known to the general public, cyclosporosis is a parasitic infection that attacks the small intestine and generally affects tropical areas. It is caused by a microscopic parasite that can spread through contaminated food. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases rose at an alarming rate in the United States, doubling between 2016 and 2017 and increasing steadily ever since, from 500 cases per year to nearly 5,000 today. today.

What is cyclosporosis?

Cyclosporosis is transmitted through the oocysts of Cyclospora cayetanensis in the stools of infected people. Faeces containing the parasite, which is so small it can only be seen under a microscope, can then contaminate food and water. When ingested, the parasite can cause an infection called cyclosporosis in about a week. The parasite then attacks the small intestine, usually causing watery diarrhea and heavy stools as well as loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas and nausea. Some people also have flu-like symptoms, including body aches, headaches, fever, and fatigue. Infections can be more severe in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised people.

Bag salads, tests and imports at issue

Scientists suspect that the recent increase in cases in the United States, particularly cases in Florida, can be partly attributed to bagged salads, containing the pathogenic parasite that led to a peak in cases in 2022. Over time, diagnostic tests used to detect the parasite have become more widely available, helping us to better detect and track cases. “Several factors are likely responsible for the increase in cases in the United States, including more travel to areas where the organism is prevalent, better diagnostic testing and awareness, and the importation of food. from areas endemic to Cyclospora”, Amesh Adalja, a senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, tells Healthline magazine.

In fact, the improved sensitivity and specificity of tests to diagnose and detect Cyclospora may also be a contributing factor, as may climate change.

Healthy people who are infected with cyclosporiasis are often able to recover without treatment. But untreated, cyclosporosis can also cause symptoms for several weeks or even months. A combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, as well as antidiarrheal drugs, or even rehydration in the most serious cases, will be considered. Time to recovery from cyclosporosis may vary depending on the immune status of the infected individual, with immunocompromised hosts generally having an increased risk of severe or prolonged disease.

According to Food poisoning bulletinit can be difficult to prevent infection with Cyclospora because washing the products does not always get rid of the parasite that causes the disease. However, you are advised, especially when traveling, to maintain a level of personal hygiene (especially hand hygiene), and to take food hygiene precautions (avoid raw vegetables, drink only mineral water in capped bottle or, failing that, treated by chlorination or boiling).