Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory about the growing number of cyclosporiasis cases reported across the United States. In response, QIAGEN is calling for reliable laboratory testing to support the public health response.

According to QIAGEN, the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite is not detected through routine stool culture and requires specialized diagnostic methods, including molecular testing.

“The current rise in cyclosporiasis cases highlights the need for rapid, reliable detection to support timely patient care and effective public health action,” said Nitin Sood, Senior Vice President and Head of Product Portfolio & Innovation at QIAGEN. In a press release, the company pointed to some of their current molecular offerings:

• The FDA-cleared QIAstat-Dx Gastrointestinal Panel 2 includes Cyclospora cayetanensis as a standard target within its 16-target menu for bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens. The fully integrated syndromic test delivers results in about an hour, enabling laboratories to test for Cyclospora alongside other common causes of gastrointestinal illness from the initial patient sample.
• For research use only, the digital PCR Microbial DNA Detection Assay targets Cyclospora cayetanensis for use with the QIAcuity digital PCR system, supporting highly sensitive detection in research and public health applications.
• QIAGEN's sequencing portfolio also includes the PulseNet-approved QIAseq FX DNA Library Prep Kit for research use only with any NGS sequencer. This kit is designed to support “shotgun sequencing workflows” that analyze all DNA in a sample to help identify and characterize foodborne pathogens for PulseNet, the U.S. public health laboratory network that detects and investigates foodborne disease outbreaks.