Cyclospora Chaos and Real-Time Diagnostic Stewardship
<p>Clinical microbiology directors share how their hospital systems met testing needs during the cyclospora outbreak.</p>
Video Notes
When There Isn't One Right Answer
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite and can be difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms with other GI pathogens. It requires dedicated tests to detect the oocysts in an infected person’s stool, including a stool smear stained with a modified acid fast or modified safranin stain, UV of a wet mount of the stool or certain nucleic acid amplification tests or GI PCR panels. A national outbreak, such as the one in the U.S. during late spring and summer of 2026, can change the clinical testing needs. An optimal testing strategy must balance different variables. In this video, clinical microbiology laboratory directors from 3 diverse institutions share their hospital systems’ approaches to meeting testing needs during the outbreak. These real-life examples highlight that stewardship is not straightforward, and there is no single best solution.
Key Takeaways
- Utilization data can reveal unexpected testing gaps or trends and shape outbreak testing approaches.
- Effective diagnostic stewardship balances test performance, turnaround time, cost, clinical utility and stakeholder priorities.
- Clear provider guidance is essential to ensure the right test is ordered.
Author Information
- Macy G. Wood, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin.
- Masako Mizusawa, M.D., Ph.D., M.S., Director of ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Laboratory, Monmouth Medical Center.
- Frances Valencia-Shelton, Ph.D., D(ABMM), SM(ASCP), Clinical Infectious Diagnostics Director Baptist Health System.
- Laura Filkins, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.