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Living with Cyclosporiasis

An infection from a tiny parasite, usually picked up from contaminated food or water, that causes watery diarrhea and belly pain.

Understanding Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis.

It is most often caught from contaminated food or water. The main features are watery diarrhea and abdominal pain. GARD lists the onset as any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a detailed symptom list. Based on its summary, the main features are:

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is cyclosporiasis confirmed with testing?
How can we lower the chance of catching it again from food or water?
When should watery diarrhea prompt a call to the doctor?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

It is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, most commonly acquired from contaminated food or water.

Infectious

Also known as: cyclospora caused disease or disorder; cyclospora cayetanensis caused disease or disorder; cyclospora cayetanensis disease or disorder; cyclospora cayetanensis infectious disease; cyclospora disease or disorder; cyclospora infectious disease

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · CyclosporiasisGARD ID 9528 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Cyclosporiasis.

Explore the Cyclosporiasis blog

Explore research for Cyclosporiasis

Explore actively recruiting Cyclosporiasis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Cyclosporiasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Cyclosporiasis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Cyclosporiasis

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HealthStoryfor Cyclosporiasis

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Cyclosporiasis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

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