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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
Escherichia coli (commonly called E. coli) is a species of Gram-negative aerobic bacteria that is found in the intestine and is also widely used in microbiological and genetic research. The motile rod-shaped cells ferment lactose and are usually harmless commensals, although certain strains are pathogenic. Studies of E coli laboratory cultures have revealed much about the genetics of prokaryotes; the species is also frequently used in genetic engineering, particularly as a host for gene cloning and the expression of recombinant foreign genes in culture.
Research Escherichia coli
Balantidiasis is an infection caused by cysts of the protozoan Balantidium coli. Balantidium coli 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
A coli is a shirt-sleeved breast-length jacket worn by Muslim men over a ghaghra.
Research Coli
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The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
©1993 - 2009 The Probert Encyclopaedia
Southampton, United Kingdom
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