Cyclosporose : une diarrhée familiale du Salvador

A family, returning from a trip to El Salvador, complained of digestive disorders (abdominal pain, diarrhea). Stool examinations highlighted oocysts of Cyclospora cayetanensis which have disappeared under treatment by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This parasite is a protozoan, of the order of coccidia, known in humans since 1877. It is cosmopolitan, but more common in tropical areas, with a prevalence of 2 to 11%, depending on the countries. Infection, due to ingestion of water or contamined food, causes various digestive disorders, which are more severe in immunocompromised patients with weight loss and dehydration. The diagnosis is based on parasitologic stool examination, identifying the oocysts of Cyclospora cayetanensis. Trimethoprim-sulfametoxazole treatment is effective. Prevention requires compliance with the rules of food hygiene.