Sneaky Parasite Evades Scientists Finding Cyclospora On Fruit Like Finding Needle In Haystack

Researchers around the country looking for the diarrheainducing cyclospora parasite on California strawberries and other produce might have a better chance of finding a needle in a haystack.

With more than 200 confirmed or suspected cases in Florida, Houston, Toronto and New York City, officials have more questions than answers about a microscopic bug that grows to about 10 microns - or 10-millionths of a meter - that can make life miserable for up to six weeks.

Essentially, lab technicians wash strawberries and other produce with a sterile solution, evaporate the runoff, place the residue on slides and apply a stain to make the bug visible under a microscope. Scanning a single slide takes about an hour.

Last year’s outbreak, during which people became sick for roughly two months, ended in mystery. The source of cyclospora was never found.

This year, despite heightened awareness in the medical community, the delayed onset of the disease after eating contaminated food and the perishable nature of produce are working against research efforts.

“People usually don’t get sick for several days after eating the suspect food. Several more days pass before they seek medical help. By the time we are notified of a cyclospora case, the food is gone,” said Dr. Jean Malecki, director of the Palm Beach County Public Health Unit.

For that reason, labs have not been able to test the same pint of strawberries or head of lettuce that may have given a patient cyclospora poisoning. Investigators must use other samples from the store at which the patient shopped.

Although California strawberries head the list of suspects for carrying the germ, officials there maintain fruit coming from the fields is sanitary and blame-free.