What is the diagnostic stage of Balantidium coli?
Diagnosis is based on detection of trophozoites in stool samples from symptomatic patients or in tissue collected during endoscopy. Cysts are less frequently encountered, and are most likely to be recovered from formed stool. Balantidium coli is passed intermittently and once outside the colon is rapidly destroyed.
How do you get Balantidium coli?
Balantidium coli, though rare in the US, is an intestinal protozoan parasite that can infect humans. These parasites can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route by contaminated food and water.
Is Balantidium coli Troph a bacteria?
Balantidium Coli (Balantidiasis) Balantidium coli is a large pathogenic ciliated protozoan that in rare instances infects humans and produces intestinal symptoms. B. coli has a worldwide distribution, and prevalence is highest in areas of poor hygiene and nutrition and where pigs and humans have close contact.
What is the cyst of Balantidium coli?
The cyst is the infective stage of the Balantidium coli life cycle. Encystation is the process of forming the cyst; this event takes place in the rectum of the host as feces are dehydrated or soon after the feces have been excreted.
What are the possible treatments for Balantidiasis especially on the chronic stage?
Three medications are used most often to treat Balantidium coli: tetracycline, metronidazole, and iodoquinol.
What are the diseases associated with B coli?
Balantidium coli is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes the infection called balantidiasis. While this type of infection is uncommon in the United States, humans and other mammals can become infected with Balantidium coli by ingesting infective cysts from food and water that is contaminated by feces.
How long does Balantidiasis last?
Mature cysts are passed in the stool and can remain viable for up to two weeks in the environment [7]. Cysts are considered the main infective stage; trophozoites can also be passed in stool but generally disappear soon after passage [3].
What are the signs and symptoms of Balantidiasis?
These include persistent diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, perforation of the colon can occur.
How do you treat Balantidiasis?
Three medications are used most often to treat Balantidium coli: tetracycline, metronidazole, and iodoquinol. Tetracycline*: adults, 500 mg orally four times daily for 10 days; children ≥ 8 years old, 40 mg/kg/day (max. 2 grams) orally in four doses for 10 days.
What is Balantidium E coli?
Balantidium coli, though rare in the US, is an intestinal protozoan parasite that can infect humans. These parasites can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route by contaminated food and water.
What is the prevalence of Balantidium coli in the US?
Balantidium coli infection in humans is rare in the United States. Balantidium coli is found throughout the world, but it is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and developing countries. Because pigs are an animal reservoir, human infections occur more frequently in areas where pigs are raised,…
What are the symptoms of Balantidium coli infection?
People who are immune-compromised are the most likely to experience more severe signs and symptoms. These include persistent diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, perforation of the colon can occur. Is there a test for Balantidium coli infection? Yes.
How do humans get Balantidium coli (Bec)?
While this type of infection is uncommon in the United States, humans and other mammals can become infected with Balantidium coli by ingesting infective cysts from food and water that is contaminated by feces.