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. Balantidium coli infection is mostly asymptomatic, but people with other serious illnesses can experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes a perforated colon. When traveling to  endemic tropical countries, Balantidium coli infection can be prevented by  following good hygiene practices. Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean water when preparing or eating them, even if they have a removable skin.

FAQs

What is Balantidium coli?

Balantidium coli is an intestinal protozoan parasite  that causes the infection called balantidiasis. While this type of infection is  less common 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. Mostly asymptomatic, Balantidium infection can cause such symptoms as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Where is Balantidium coli endemic?

Balantidium infection in humans is rare in the United States. However, Balantidium is more common among pigs in warmer climates, and in monkeys in the tropics. Infection in humans is therefore also more common in those areas, especially if good hygiene is not practiced. Balantidium coli is found throughout the world, but it is most prevalent in  tropical and subtropical regions and developing countries.

How is Balantidium coli transmitted?

Balantidium coli is transmitted through the  fecal-oral route. Humans can become infected by eating and drinking contaminated  food and water that has come into contact with infective animal or human fecal matter. Infection can occur in several ways, including the following examples:

• eating  meat, fruits, and vegetables that have been contaminated by an infected person  or contaminated by fecal matter from an infected animal,
• drinking and washing food  with contaminated water, or
• having poor hygiene habits.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Most people infected with Balantidium coli experience no symptoms. Balantidium coli settles in the large intestine in humans and produces infective microscopic cysts passed in the feces,  potentially leading to more infections or re-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. Stool samples can be  examined by a lab. Microscopic examination can detect Balantidium coli in the stool.

Is this  contagious?

Yes. Balantidium coli is contagious by the fecal-oral route.

Is there  treatment?

Yes. The three medications often  used to treat Balantidium coli are tetracycline, metronidazole, and iodoquinol. See your health care  provider for treatment care.

How can I prevent Balantidium coli?

Balantidium coli infection can be prevented when traveling to endemic tropical countries by following good hygiene practices. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food. Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection. Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean water when preparing or eating them, even if they have a removable skin.

BIOLOGY