CYCLOSPORA CAYETANENSIS:

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a newly identified organism that was originally mistaken for other pathogens, including cyanobacteria and other coccidia. When the first oocysts were seen, they were not mature and were not recognized as true coccidia. The mature oocyst contains two sporocysts, each containing two sporozoites, a pattern which places these organisms in the coccodian genus Cyclospora. The name Cyclospora cayetanensis has been proposed; the species name comes from the university in Peru where it was initially studied (Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia). Infection with this coccidian parasite has been linked to the importation of fresh produce into the United States (raspberries from Guatemala, fresh basil, fresh baby lettuce leaves).

Unsporulated oocysts are passed in the stool, and sporulation occurs within about 5 to 13 days. Currently, the life cycle has not been totally defined and there is very little definitive information related to potential reservoir hosts. Individuals of all ages can become infected,