A Systematic Review of the Neglected Parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis in Türkiye from 2004 to 2023

Abstract

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasitic pathogen causing gastroenteritis, transmitted through contaminated food and water, and is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Since C. cayetanensis requires different methods like acid-fast staining for detection, studies on its prevalence are insufficient. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. cayetanensis in Türkiye over the last two decades. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Mendeley, Web of Science, YOKtez, TR Dizin, and Türk MEDLINE Index for relevant English and Turkish publications from 2004 to 2023. Out of 184 identified articles, 47 met the inclusion criteria, of these, 41 were patient samples and 6 on water samples. C. cayetanensis prevalence averaged 32.7% in water samples and 2.71% in patient samples. Cyclospora was most frequently detected in the Aegean Region and Izmir province. The most frequent diagnostic method in the studies was the Kinyoun Acid-Fast Staining method (91.4%). Studies conducted in Türkiye have been limited to regions where expert parasitologists are available. High rates of positivity were detected in water samples. To accurately determine the prevalence in Türkiye, laboratory conditions must be provided to detect C. cayetanensis in every province.