Balantidium is a Phylum Protozoa, a member of the order of Heterotricha.
Balantidium coli occurs in the cecum of swine, where it does no harm. However, on being transmitted to primates it can cause acute and even hemorrhagic diarrhoea and ulceration of the gut wall. Research Balantidium
Balantidiasis is an infection caused by cysts of the protozoan Balantidiumcoli. Balantidiumcoli is the largest and only ciliated protozoan that is pathogenic to humans. The protezoa is a normal inhabitant of the domestic pig. Cysts are excreted in the faeces of pigs and are transmitted to humans through the food or water that comes in contact with the faeces. The incubation period of the cysts is unknown, but is believed to be only a few days. The cysts are swallowed by the new host and carried to the large intestine of humans where they cause diarrhea. In severe cases, the protozoa inhabit the intestinal wall causing painful ulcers and abscesses. In extreme cases, the protozoa then cause dysentery and death. In underdeveloped countries with poor sanitation habits and poor hygiene methods epidemics may arise from faecally contaminated water. The infection is diagnosed by the presence of the cysts in fecal samples of the infected host. Research Balantidiasis
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Balantidium
