A Cryptosporidium-like genus of coccidian parasites reported from millipedes, reptiles, insectivores, and a rodent species. C. is characterized by acid-fast oocysts with two sporocysts, each with two sporozoites. C. is implicated as the cause of a widespread, prolonged but self-limited human diarrhea in patients in the Americas, Caribbean countries, Southeast Asia, and eastern Europe previously reported as caused by cyanobacteriumlike bodies. SYN: cyanobacteriumlike bodies.
- C. cayetanensis a species causing enteritis with persistent diarrhea; usually acquired by ingestion of contaminated water or food.
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Cy·clo·spora .sī-klō-'spȯr-ə n a genus of coccidian protozoans that produce an oocyst containing two sporocysts with each sporocyst containing two sporozoites and that include one (C. cayetanensis) causing diarrhea in humans
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Cy·clo·spo·ra (si-klosґpə-rə) [cyclo- + Gr. spora seed] a genus of coccidian protozoa (suborder Eimeriina, order Eucoccidiida) that have two sporocysts in each oocyst (covered by a bivalve shell), and two sporozoites in each sporocyst. C. cayetanenґsis is the most common species, causing cyclosporiasis, and is spread by the fecal-oral route.
Cyclospora oocyst.
Medical dictionary. 2011.