Due to the ongoing outbreak of cyclosporiasis in multiple states across the United States, including Michigan, this is an informational bulletin to provide guidance on appropriate test ordering for Cyclospora cayetanensis, the causative agent of cyclosporiasis in humans.

 

Corewell Health Laboratory SOUTHWEST & WEST MICHIGAN

Big Rapids • Blodgett • Butterworth • Gerber • Greenville • Ludington • Niles • Pennock • Reed City • St. Joseph • Zeeland

In patients suspected of having cyclosporiasis, providers should order the following send out test: Cyclospora stain, Stool; LAB3245. Stool specimens must be collected in an EcoFix Stool Transport Vial or Sodium Acetate Formalin (SAF) container and may be sent at room temperature or refrigerated

Enteric Pathogens by PCR, Giardia/Cryptosporidium Screen, and Clostridioides difficile GDH/toxin antigen tests do not detect C. cayetanensi. Enteric Pathogens by PCR should only be ordered on patients suspected of having bacterial or viral gastroenteritis. Clostridioides difficile GDH/toxin antigen should only be ordered in patients suspected of having a C. difficile infection.

The Ova and Parasite Exam does not detect C. cayetanensis and should not be ordered unless patients have appropriate risk factors (international travel, immunocompromised, or severe disease) and clinical presentation for other intestinal parasites such as helminths, cestodes, trematodes, or protozoa other than Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Microsporidium.

For more information regarding cyclosporiasis and the ongoing outbreak, both locally and nationally, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and CDC websites.

If you have questions, please contact your Corewell Health Laboratory Customer Service Department.

Stephanie White, MLS (ASCP)^CM, Microbiology Lab Manager

---

Corewell Health Laboratory SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Dearborn • Farmington Hills • Grosse Pointe • Royal Oak • Taylor • Trenton • Troy • Wayne

In patients suspected of having cyclosporiasis, providers should order the following send out test: Cyclospora stain, Stool; LAB3245. Stool specimens must be collected in an EcoFix Stool Transport Vial and may be sent at room temperature or refrigerated.

Stool cultures, Giardia/Cryptosporidium Screen, and Clostridioides difficile GDH/toxin antigen tests do not detect C. cayetanensi. Stool cultures should only be ordered on patients suspected of having bacterial gastroenteritis and Clostridioides difficile GDH/toxin antigen should only be ordered in patients suspected of having a C. difficile infection.

The Ova and Parasite Exam send out test does not specifically detect C. cayetanensis and should not be ordered unless patients have appropriate risk factors (international travel, immunocompromised, severe disease) and clinical presentation for other intestinal parasites such as helminths, cestodes, trematodes, or protozoa other than Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Microsporidium.

For more information regarding cyclosporiasis and the ongoing outbreak, both locally and nationally, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and CDC websites.
If you have questions, please contact your Southeast Laboratory Customer Service Department.