Balantidium coli

Definition

Balantidium coli is a unicellular, ciliated protozoan parasite that primarily infects the large intestine of humans and pigs. It is the only known ciliate parasite to infect humans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Balantidium coli causes the disease balantidiasis, which can lead to severe dysentery and ulceration of the intestines.
2. Transmission occurs through ingestion of cysts in contaminated food or water, often related to poor sanitation conditions.
3. The lifecycle includes two stages: a trophozoite stage where the organism is active and feeding, and a cyst stage which is infectious.
4. Symptoms of balantidiasis include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes more severe complications like perforation of the colon.
5. Diagnosis typically involves microscopic examination of stool samples to identify trophozoites or cysts.

Related terms

Protozoa:

A diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, many of which are parasitic.

Cyst:

A dormant, resistant form of some protozoans that allows them to survive outside a host.

Trophozoite:

The active, feeding stage in the life cycle of some protozoan parasites.