Which parasite causes gastroenteritis with watery diarrhea after consuming feces-contaminated food?

Which parasite causes gastroenteritis with watery diarrhea after consuming feces-contaminated food?

• A. Cyclospora
• B. Giardia lamblia
• C. Cryptosporidium parvum
• D. Entamoeba histolytica

Answer: (A)

The pattern being tested is recognizing a foodborne protozoan that causes gastroenteritis with watery diarrhea after eating contaminated food. Cyclospora cayetanensis is classically linked to outbreaks from contaminated fresh produce, where ingesting sporulated oocysts on fruits or vegetables leads to watery diarrhea that can persist for days to weeks. The incubation is typically around a week, which fits the scenario of illness developing after consuming contaminated food. In contrast, Giardia tends to cause greasy, fatty stools and malabsorption; Entamoeba histolytica often causes dysentery with blood; Cryptosporidium also causes watery diarrhea but is more commonly tied to contaminated water sources and can be especially severe in immunocompromised individuals. So, Cyclospora best matches the described pattern of foodborne exposure and watery diarrhea.

The pattern being tested is recognizing a foodborne protozoan that causes gastroenteritis with watery diarrhea after eating contaminated food. Cyclospora cayetanensis is classically linked to outbreaks from contaminated fresh produce, where ingesting sporulated oocysts on fruits or vegetables leads to watery diarrhea that can persist for days to weeks. The incubation is typically around a week, which fits the scenario of illness developing after consuming contaminated food. In contrast, Giardia tends to cause greasy, fatty stools and malabsorption; Entamoeba histolytica often causes dysentery with blood; Cryptosporidium also causes watery diarrhea but is more commonly tied to contaminated water sources and can be especially severe in immunocompromised individuals. So, Cyclospora best matches the described pattern of foodborne exposure and watery diarrhea.