Roche launches cyclospora PCR tests as lettuce-linked outbreak spreads across 15 US states

Roche Diagnostics announced the rollout of two new real-time PCR assays that detect the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

The launch comes as the CDC and FDA report that the cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has expanded to 15 U.S. states, with over 6,300 reported illnesses, hundreds of hospitalizations and two deaths.

The assays, intended for research use only, run on Roche’s LightCycler 480 and LightCycler PRO platforms; one targets cyclospora alone while the other is a multiplex test that can also detect several other gastrointestinal pathogens.

Roche’s move aims to give laboratories a faster tool to identify the parasite, potentially easing pressure on emergency rooms as case numbers continue to rise.