Aug 6 (Reuters) - Roche said on Thursday it

launched two new tests to detect cyclospora, as U.S.

cyclosporiasis cases climbed to record levels this year making

the foodborne-illness outbreak one of the largest in the

country's recent history.

The Swiss healthcare company is collaborating with its

subsidiary, TIB MOLBIOL, for supply of the tests.

Here are some details:

* Roche's two PCR tests, which detect pathogens by

identifying their genetic material, can find cyclospora and

other gastrointestinal parasites.

* The test portfolio allows laboratories to choose between

screening for one, three or six parasites across different

testing platforms, helping them tailor costs to their needs, TIB

MOLBIOL CEO Marcus Droege said.

* Earlier this week, U.S. health authorities said they

widened their probe into a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to

iceberg lettuce from central Mexico after detecting cases in six

additional states, raising the total to 15 states.

* So far about 6,358 cases have been reported from 15 states

with at least 278 hospitalizations, according to the CDC and

FDA. The agencies' surveillance, however, lags state reporting

by several weeks.

* Cases have risen steadily across the United States in

recent months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, with reports from 47 states.