A recent study funded by AMD and conducted by the CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria revealed that Cyclospora cayetanensis is actually comprised of at least three distinct yet closely related single-celled organisms.
Cyclosporiasis, a serious intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is linked to contaminated fresh fruits like raspberries. Most people experience severe diarrhea and flu-like symptoms, with treatment involving antibiotics and fluids. CDC scientists have developed advanced techniques to analyze the parasite’s DNA and discovered that Cyclospora consists of three distinct, non-reproducing populations. This breakthrough, achieved through extensive genotyping between 2018 and 2020, reveals previously unnoticed patterns and allows for more precise identification of Cyclospora species, potentially improving public health responses and linking each species to specific global regions.
Preliminary data suggest that different Cyclospora cayetanensis species have varying prevalences and seasonal patterns in the U.S., with one more common in southern states, another in the upper Midwest, and a third detected only in China. They are all seemingly identical at their 18S rRNA genes, yet presented ample data support their reproductive isolation.
These Discovered patterns might be influenced by fresh produce supply chains. Continued analysis could help public health officials trace outbreaks more accurately and identify which produce is linked to specific Cyclospora species. Surveillance will also help determine if certain species are more transmissible or cause more severe illness. Below all three species of Cyclospora cayetanensis are presented:
- Lineage 1: Cyclospora cayetanensis (aka Lineage A) Locality: Cyclospora cayetanensis causes infections in the Americas, though may infect humans elsewhere.
- Lineage 2: Cyclospora ashfordi (aka Lineage B) Locality: Cyclospora ashfordi causes infections in the Americas, though may infect humans elsewhere.
- Lineage 3: Cyclospora henanensis (aka Lineage C) Locality: Cyclospora henanensis caused an infection in Henan province, China, though may infect humans elsewhere.
Extracted from the essay “Cyclospora Cayetanenensis comprises at least 3 Species that cause human Cyclosporiasis” Written by Joel Leonard Nicholas Barratt et al
Published on published in National Library of Medicine Dec 2022
Source: Joel Leonard Nicholas Barratt, John Shen, Katelyn Houghton, Travis Richins, Sarah G. H. Sapp, Vitaliano Cama, Michael J. Arrowood, Anne Straily and Yvonne Qvarnstrom1 “Cyclospora cayetanensis comprises at least 3 species that cause human cyclosporiasis” – Dec 2022,