Balantidium coli: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:15, 16 August 2014

Infection of large intestine by parasite, Balantidium coli
- large, ciliated protozoan
- simple life cycle: dormant cyst to trophozoite to cyst
Reservoir host is pig (asymptomatic)
Pig sheds feces with cysts => contaminated water and food => ingested by humans => parasite resides in large intestine
Parasite usually resides in lumen of intestine but can also penetrate mucosa
- Opportunistic infection
Human-to-human transmission via fecal-oral route as well
Worldwide prevalence 0.02-1% . Found wherever pigs are found
Risk factors:
- Close contact between human and pigs
- Lack of appropriate waste disposal that can contaminate drinking water sources
- Subtropical/tropical climates (warmth and humidity favor survival of cyst)
- Compromised immune system, elderly, malnourished, alcoholics

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 ==Background==
+*Infection of large intestine by parasite, ''Balantidium coli''
+**large, ciliated protozoan
+**simple life cycle: dormant cyst to trophozoite to cyst
+*Reservoir host is pig (asymptomatic)
+*Pig sheds feces with cysts => contaminated water and food => ingested by humans => parasite resides in large intestine
+*Parasite usually resides in lumen of intestine but can also penetrate mucosa
+**Opportunistic infection
+*Human-to-human transmission via fecal-oral route as well
+*Worldwide prevalence 0.02-1% .  Found wherever pigs are found
+*Risk factors:
+**Close contact between human and pigs
+**Lack of appropriate waste disposal that can contaminate drinking water sources
+**Subtropical/tropical climates (warmth and humidity favor survival of cyst)
+**Compromised immune system, elderly, malnourished, alcoholics
 ==Clinical Features==