Test ID: CYCL Cyclospora Stain, Feces
Reporting Name
Cyclospora StainUseful For
The identification of Cyclospora cayetanensis as a cause of infectious gastroenteritis
Testing Algorithm
For other diagnostic tests that may be of value in evaluating patients with diarrhea; the following algorithms are available in Special Instructions:
Specimen Type
FecalSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: Patient should avoid use of antidiarrheal medication (ie, loperamide or Pepto-Bismol).
The presence of barium will interfere with this test.
Supplies:
-ECOFIX Stool Transport Vial (Kit) (T219)
-Formalin-Meridian 10% Buffered Neutral (T466)
-Stool container, Small (Random), 4 oz (T288)
-Sodium Acetate Formalin (SAF)
-Stool Collection Kit, Random (T635)
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Preserved stool
Preferred: ECOFIX Stool Transport Vial (Kit) (T219)
Acceptable: 10% Buffered Formalin Stool Transport (Kit) (T466), Sodium Acetate Formalin (SAF)
Specimen Volume: 10 g
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient 21 days (preferred)/Refrigerated 21 days
Specimen Type: Unpreserved stool
Container/Tube: Stool container (T288)
Specimen Volume: 5 g
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated 3 days (preferred)
Specimen Minimum Volume
Preserved stool: 1 g
Unpreserved stool: 2 g
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Fecal | Varies |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, reported as Cyclospora cayetanensis detected.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87015-Concentration
87207-Stain
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CYCL | Cyclospora Stain | 50313-6 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CYCL | Cyclospora Stain | 50313-6 |
Clinical Information
Cyclospora cayetanensis is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that causes watery diarrhea, anorexia, malaise, and weight loss. The extent of symptoms depends on the age and condition of the host and the infectious dose. The infection is usually self-limited, but symptoms can be severe and prolonged, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Cyclosporal diarrheal disease is endemic in many parts of the world, including Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Although most cases of cyclosporiasis have been seen in travelers to developing countries, outbreaks in the United States have been noted due to contaminated fruits and vegetables from Latin America. Transmission is via fecally contaminated food or water. If untreated, symptoms typically last for 10 to 12 weeks, and may follow a relapsing course. The infection usually responds to treatment with a sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim drug combination.
Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts are traditionally detected by modified acid-fast staining, in which the oocysts stain bright pink-red. However, the modified safranin stain has been shown to provide increased sensitivity over modified acid-fast method and produces a more rapid result. It is the method used in our laboratory to detect Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts in fecal sediment.
See Laboratory Testing for Infectious Causes of Diarrhea and Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm for other diagnostic tests that may be of value in evaluating patients with diarrhea.
Interpretation
A report of Cyclospora cayetanensis detected indicates the presence of this parasite in the patient's feces.
Clinical Reference
1. Chacin-Bonilla L: Epidemiology of Cyclospora cayetanensis: A review focusing in endemic areas. Acta Trop 2010;115(3):181-193
2. Ortega YR, Sanchez R: Update on Cyclospora cayetanensis, a food-borne and waterborne parasite. Clin Microbiol Rev 2010;23(1):218-234
Analytic Time
2 daysMethod Name
Safranin Stain
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
mml-gi-id, mml-gi-intestinal-infections, mml-gi-intestinal-infections-pathogens