Diarrhea caused by a Cyanobacterium-like organism.

Seven cases of watery diarrhea of explosive onset, three of them ending within two weeks, are discussed. The cause of diarrhea is believed to be the presence of an organism called Cyanobacteriumlike organism. These are non-refractile, spherical bodies, 8-9 micrometers in diameter, which take on a faint to deep pink color after modified kinyoun acid-fast staining. Risk factors such as travel to and from warm regions, and water as a possible source of infection are briefly discussed.