Balantidium coli

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iBalantidium coli
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
(unranked) Alveolata
Phylum: Ciliophora
Class: Litostomatea
Order: Vestibuliferida
Family: Balantiididae
Genus: Balantidium
Species: B. coli
Binomial name
Balantidium coli
(Malmsten, 1857)

Balantidium coli is a species of ciliate protozoan, and is the only one that is a pathogen of humans. It is carried by pigs, rats, primates (including humans), horses, cattle and guinea pigs. It is transmitted within or between these species mostly via fecal transmission. Pigs are the most significant reservoir hosts, though they show few if any symptoms.

A trophozoite of Balantidium coli
A trophozoite of Balantidium coli

Cysts are the parasite stage responsible for transmission of balantidiasis. The host most often acquires the cyst through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Following ingestion, excystation occurs in the small intestine, and the trophozoites colonize the large intestine. Both cysts and trophozoites are identifiable by a large, "sausage shaped" macronucleus.

Balantidium coli as seen in a wet mount of a stool specimen. The organism is surrounded by cilia
Enlarge
Balantidium coli as seen in a wet mount of a stool specimen. The organism is surrounded by cilia

The trophozoites reside in the lumen of the large intestine of humans and animals, where they replicate by transverse binary fission, during which conjugation may occur . Some trophozoites invade the wall of the colon using proteolytic enzymes and multiply. Some return to lumen and disintegrate. Trophozoites undergo encystation which is triggered by dehydration of the feces as they pass into the rectum. Encystation usually occurs in the large intestine, but may also occur outside of the host. Symptoms can be local due to involvement of the intestinal mucosa, or systemic in nature and include diarrhea. Balantidiasis can be treated by carbarsone, tetracycline, or diiodohydroxyquin.

Less than 1% of the human population is infected worldwide.

[edit] Geographic distribution

Worldwide. Because pigs are an animal reservoir, human infections occur more frequently in areas where pigs are raised, and in the Philippines, Mexico, South America and Papua New Guinea.

[edit] References

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