Cyclospora spp. Identification and Genotyping

Identification and genotyping of Cyclospora spp.

Human Stool Sample or intestinal biopsy

Human stool sample may be fresh or in transport media such as Cary-Blair. Samples in fixatives containing formalin, such as SAF are not accepted.

Samples contained in a leak-proof container with sample number on the tube and any identifying patient information removed. Preferred minimum sample size is 1 gram. Samples may be frozen on dry ice or refrigerated on wet ice. Repeated freeze-thaws should be avoided if possible.Stool swabs are accepted but genotyping can be less successful from swabs.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, abdominal cramps or bloating, nausea, low grade fever, weight loss, other.

Completed Parasite Genomics Unit requisition form.

Samples in fixatives containing formalin, such as SAF, are not accepted.

Molecular identification by PCR (1)

Molecular characterization by PCR, DNA sequencing and clustering (2)

1. Identification PCR as per: Balan KV, Mammel M, Lipman D, Babu U, Harrison LM, Almeria S, Durigan M, Leonard SR, Jang H, Gebru S, Grocholl J, Trujillo S, Hiett KL, Musser S. Development and Single Laboratory Evaluation of a Refined and specific Real-time PCR Detection Method, Using Mitochondrial Primers (Mit1C), for the Detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis in Produce. J Food Prot. 2023 Feb;86(2):100037. doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2022.100037.
2. Genotyping and clustering methods as per: Nascimento FS, Barratt J, Houghton K, Plucinski M, Kelley J, Casillas S, Bennett CC, Snider C, Tuladhar R, Zhang J, Clemons B, Madison-Antenucci S, Russell A, Cebelinski E, Haan J, Robinson T, Arrowood MJ, Talundzic E, Bradbury RS, Qvarnstrom Y. Evaluation of an ensemble-based distance statistic for clustering MLST datasets using epidemiologically defined clusters of cyclosporiasis. Epidemiol Infect. 2020 Aug 3;148:e172. doi: 10.1017/S0950268820001697.

14 calendar days. Note: Turnaround times for routine isolates may be extended during outbreak activities or due to limited availability of resources.