Cyclospora Stain, Feces
Use
The Cyclospora Stain test aids in identifying Cyclospora cayetanensis as a causative agent of infectious gastroenteritis. Cyclospora cayetanensis is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that can cause severe watery diarrhea, anorexia, malaise, and weight loss, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This infection is transmitted via ingestion of contaminated food or water, and is endemic in parts of Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Without treatment, symptoms may persist for weeks, often requiring detection of oocysts for diagnosis.
Special Instructions
Patients should avoid the use of antidiarrheal medication prior to specimen collection, as these substances could interfere with test results. Additionally, the presence of barium will interfere with the test. If Cryptosporidium infection is suspected, order the Cryptosporidium Antigen test instead.
Limitations
The test uses modified safranin stain to detect Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts, offering higher sensitivity compared to traditional acid-fast staining. However, the full spectrum of disease and extent of asymptomatic carriage are not entirely known. Moreover, Cryptosporidium oocysts are not reliably stained by this method, necessitating alternative testing methods for accurate detection where Cryptosporidium is suspected.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 50313-6
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
10 g
Minimum Volume
1 g
Container
ECOFIX Stool Transport Vial (Kit)
Patient Preparation
Patient should avoid use of antidiarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide [Imodium-AD] or Pepto-Bismol).
Storage Instructions
Ambient 21 days (preferred)/Refrigerated 21 days
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 21 days |
| Refrigerated | 21 days |