Ace the CPFM Challenge 2026 – Whisk Your Way to Food Safety Mastery!

The correct answer identifies Cyclospora cayetanensis as the protozoan responsible for causing Cyclosporiasis. This specific microorganism is known for its role in foodborne illness, particularly linked to the consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables. Cyclosporiasis manifests through symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue, which are associated with the ingestion of this parasite.

Understanding the nature of Cyclospora cayetanensis is critical as it has unique environmental resilience, allowing it to survive on produce and pose a risk in specific settings, especially where food hygiene and safety measures may be lacking. In contrast, the other listed organisms, while they are indeed protozoa and can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, are responsible for different diseases: Entamoeba histolytica leads to amoebic dysentery; Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis; and Plasmodium vivax is known for causing malaria, which is not a foodborne illness. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for proper food safety management and disease prevention in food handling environments.