Which protozoan causes cyclosporiasis and is linked to raspberries from Guatemala?

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Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a protozoan transmitted through ingestion of sporulated oocysts on contaminated food or water. Outbreaks have been notably linked to fresh berries, including raspberries imported from Guatemala, making that geographic connection a distinctive clue. The illness typically presents with watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps, and fatigue, often starting about a week after exposure.

Understanding how this parasite spreads helps distinguish it from other protozoa: Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis with greasy stools and is commonly tied to contaminated water; Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery with bloody stools and liver involvement; Cryptosporidium parvum causes cryptosporidiosis, often linked to drinking water or recreational water. The combination of cyclosporiasis and the Guatemala raspberry association specifically points to Cyclospora cayetanensis.