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Stain, Cyclospora

C. cayetanensis, Cyclospora Stain

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5524

Department

Microbiology

Instructions

New restrictions are in place for ordering the Cyclospora Stain:

• All orders require a Comprehensive Ova and Parasite Review Approval Form to be completed and submitted with the specimen.

At least 2 weeks should elapse following barium administration before collection of the specimen.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Random stool specimen placed in a transport vial with EcoFix preservative.

• Fill the vial until the fluid level reaches the red fill line.
• Unpreserved stool must be placed in EcoFix within 1 hour of collection.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimens in EcoFix preservative at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Stool in EcoFix preservative, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Solid or formed specimens.
• Rectal swabs.
• Specimens in leaking or soiled containers.
• Specimens containing oil or urine.
• Specimens that contain toilet water.
• Specimens received in diapers.
• Specimens collected within 7 days of the patient taking a laxative.
• Specimens collected following a soap suds enema.
• Stools containing barium from a previous radiological procedure.
• Specimens collected within 14 days following antibiotics.
• Unpreserved stool greater than 1 hour past collection.
• Specimens in PVA.
• Frozen specimens.
• Testing will not be performed on more than one specimen collected per patient within a 24-hour period.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 1 hour (Unpreserved)
Room Temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F): 7 days (Preserved)
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days (Preserved)
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable


Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Microbiology Laboratory
Taylor, Trenton and Wayne sent to Dearborn Microbiology Laboratory for testing.

Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory
Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, and Troy sent to Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory for testing.

Performed

Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Results available within 24 hours.

Reference Range

No Cyclospora seen.

Test Methodology

Concentration, stain, microscopic examination.

Interpretation

Cyclospora spp. are abundant in the stool of infected individuals.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of cyclosporiasis.

Clinical Disease

Organisms in stool previously named blue-green algae (cyanobacteriumlike bodies) or "large Cryptosporidium" have recently been identified as belonging to the coccidian genus Cyclospora. Infection with Cyclospora spp. is primarily seen in HIV-infected individuals and in immunocompetent adults and children. The most common characteristic of infection with this organism is prolonged, often relapsing, watery, non-bloody diarrhea that is frequently associated with weight loss. In some cases, bloating, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, crampy abdominal pain, and fever also occur. The mean duration of diarrhea has ranged from 19 to 43 days (1). Symptoms are more severe in AIDS patients, lasting up to 70 days (2).

Epidemiology

Infection is frequently linked to contaminated water and occurs worldwide (1). Outbreaks in 1996 and 1997 were associated with imported berries, basil, and baby lettuce. Most cases were reported in April – August (2).

Reference

1. Novak-Weekley, S., and A.L. Leber,. 2015. Cystoisospora, Cyclospora, and Sarcocystis, Jorgensen, J.H., et. al. (eds.), Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 11^th ed. ASM Press, Washington, D.C.

CPT Codes

87207, 87015.

Contacts

Last Updated

6/21/2023