Cyclospora cayetanensis infection in developed countries: Potential endemic foci

Authors: CHACIN-BONILLA, LEONOR - Universidad Del Zulia; Santin-Duran, Monica

Submitted to: Microorganisms
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/17/2023
Publication Date: 2/21/2023
Citation: Chacin-Bonilla, L., Santin, M. 2023. Cyclospora cayetanensis infection in developed countries: Potential endemic foci. Microorganisms. 11(3):540. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030540.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030540

Interpretive Summary: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite which causes diarrheal illness in humans called cyclosporiasis that has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide. Industrialized countries are generally considered non-endemic for infection, but in recent years sporadic cases and non-travel related outbreaks associated with domestically grown produce are becoming more common. Cyclospora cayetanensis has been detected in fresh produce, drinking water, wastewater, irrigation water, and soil suggesting that the parasite may be more common in areas with advanced sanitation than previously thought. The potential risk for exposure in developed countries, particularly in communities within those countries where sanitary conditions are compromised, raises a transmission concern that requires further research to better define the risks for infection, how widespread C. cayetanensis may be in these industrialized countries, and to guide interventions against this infection. This information will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists and public health workers.

Technical Abstract: Cyclospora cayetanensis infection has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide. Industrialized countries are generally considered non-endemic for infection. However, sporadic cases and non-travel related outbreaks of C. cayetanensis infections associated with domestically grown produce are becoming more common in developed countries. Cyclospora cayetanensis has been detected in fresh produce, drinking water, wastewater, irrigation water, and soil in these countries suggesting that the parasite may be more common in areas with advanced sanitation than previously thought and illustrates potential risk for exposure and indigenous/autochthonous infections. The evidence suggests the possibility of foci of endemicity in industrialized countries, particularly in communities where sanitary conditions are compromised, and raises transmission issues that require further research to better define the risks for infection, how widespread C. cayetanensis may be in these areas and to guide interventions against this infection.