Introduction to Parasitology Practice Test

Cyclosporiasis is the illness caused by the protozoan Cyclospora cayetanensis. The name itself points to the organism responsible, setting it apart from other parasitic infections that affect the gut. Cysticercosis comes from the tissue-forms of Taenia solium forming cysts in muscles or brain, schistosomiasis is due to Schistosoma species (blood flukes) causing organ and tissue damage, and giardiasis is caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellated parasite of the small intestine. Transmission occurs when people ingest mature oocysts in contaminated food or water, with outbreaks sometimes linked to fresh produce. Clinically, cyclosporiasis causes prolonged watery diarrhea, sometimes with cramps, nausea, and weight loss. Diagnosis relies on stool examination for Cyclospora oocysts (often using special stains or autofluorescence), and treatment is commonly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.