Diagnosis of Cyclospora infection can be difficult. Identification of Cyclospora requires special laboratory tests that are not routine and must be specifically requested. Patients will be asked to provide at least 3 stool samples over several days. Then, microbiologists examine the samples and look for Cyclospora oocysts, which are non-infectious immature parasites that are shed periodically in stools.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Cyclospora induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was infected with the Cyclospora parasite, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Clinical Cyclospora Diagnosis
Cyclospora diagnosis is not easy, and most cases are not diagnosed without a high level of suspicion. Characteristic symptoms include watery diarrhea that persists for weeks or even months.
Cyclospora infection must be diagnosed with an “ova and parasite” (O&P) examination of stools, which must be specifically requested because it is not part of the standard parasitic stool examinations. Diagnosis can be difficult because the parasite sheds intermittently. Even patients with diarrhea may not shed enough oocytes in their stool to be diagnosed. The patient may need to give three or more stool samples on different days within a 10-day period and 48 hours apart.
Laboratory Cyclospora Diagnosis
Laboratory diagnosis of Cyclospora infection is usually made with an examination of stool samples, but it can also be detected in DNA samples, intestinal fluid/aspirate, or intestinal biopsy specimens.
Techniques to diagnose Cyclospora infection:
- Examining sample under a microscope — Cyclospora oocysts are double-walled spheres about ~8-10 micrometers in diameter and are easily overlooked.
- Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent light — The oocysts glow under fluorescent light against a black background.
- DNA testing — Looking for the parasite’s DNA in the stool sample.
- Safranin stain — Stains oocysts to a red or reddish-orange color.
- Modified acid-fast stain — The easiest staining method, the oocyst appear pink or purple against a blue background (see above for photo).
Were You Diagnosed with Cyclospora?
Talk to a lawyer. In 2019, over 100 people were sickened with Cyclospora after eating at restaurants in Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Florida. In 2018, an outbreak of Cyclospora was linked to Del Monte vegetable trays. In 2013, many Cyclospora outbreak lawsuits were filed by people who had Cyclospora infections after eating salad at Olive Garden and Red Lobster, with at least 550 cases reported in 19 states. If you decide to file a lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your injury, lost income, medical expenses, and more.
Additional Resources & Information
Do I have a Texas Cyclospora Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Cyclospora induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was infected with the Cyclospora parasite, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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