Cyclospora cayetanensis er en mikroskopisk protozoisk parasitt som forårsaker cyclosporiasis, en tarminfeksjon kjennetegnet av langvarig og tilbakevendende diaré. Den finnes vanligvis i tropiske og subtropiske områder og har vært knyttet til en rekke matbårne utbrudd over hele verden.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine. It has a complex life cycle that requires time outside the host to become infectious. The disease it causes, cyclosporiasis, is notable for its potential to cause prolonged and relapsing symptoms, particularly affecting the gastrointestinal system.
Cyclospora is transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces that contain the parasite. The oocysts need time (days to weeks) outside the host to become infectious. Common sources of outbreaks have included contaminated fresh produce such as berries, lettuce, and herbs. Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely as the oocysts are not immediately infectious when shed in feces.