Cyclospora cayetanensis is transmitted by which of the following routes?

• A. Direct Contact with Contaminated Surfaces
• B. Airborne Transmission
• C. Vector-borne Transmission
• D. Ingestion of Contaminated Sporulated Oocysts in Food or Water

Answer: (D)

The main idea is how Cyclospora cayetanensis infections occur. This parasite is transmitted when a person ingests sporulated oocysts that are present in contaminated food or water. The oocysts must undergo sporulation in the environment before they become infectious, which is why outbreaks are commonly linked to fresh produce and untreated water. Transmission by air, insects, or direct contact with surfaces is not how this organism spreads, because the infectious stage is swallowed in contaminated material rather than inhaled or transferred via vectors. In practice, ensuring safe drinking water and thoroughly washing or cooking produce can reduce risk, since the critical step is ingesting those sporulated oocysts.