A review of Cyclospora cayetanensis transport in the environment

Abstract

Cyclosporiasis, a human illness marked by diarrhea, has recently emerged as a foodborne illness of concern in North America. While other reviews have focused on the epidemiology of Cyclospora cayetanensis, we focus on the environmental fate and transport of C. cayetanensis. Given the fact that cyclosporiasis is emerging in countries with advanced sanitation practices, the movement of oocysts through the environment is an important facet of the pathogen. Relatively little is known about C. cayetanensis, as it is difficult to source in developed countries, and there is no known method to culture the protozoan in the lab. This review looks at the characteristics of Cyclospora that allow it to survive in the environment and the effects of C. cayetanensis on humans.