Abstract:

Cyclospora is a newly discovered protozoan parasite that can infect intestinal epithelial cells. The pathogen canbe transmitted by consumption of vegetables or fruits contaminated with oocysts. It mainly parasitizes humans and rodents,reptiles, mammals including non-human primates, and other animals. Cyclosporiasis as a sporadic infection or outbreakcan cause human and animal gastroenteritis and diarrhea, and even lead to death along with serious economic loss. Thisarticle summarizes Cyclospora classification, genetic characteristics, epidemiological status and commonly used detectiontechniques in recent years.

Key words: Cyclospora, food-borne infection, epidemiology, detection techniques