Definition:
Balantidiasis is an infection of the intestine with parasitic protozoa (Balantidium coli) that results in swelling of the intestine. The disease is commonly acquired thru direct or indirect exposure with pig fecal matter.
Symptoms and Signs:
The most common symptoms of Balantidiasis:
Asymptomatic
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Bloody diarrhea
Intestinal ulcers
Complications:
The list below is the common complications or problems experienced by individuals affected by this disease.
Perforation or puncture of the ulcer
Peritonitis Inflammation or swelling of the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Test:
Diagnosis depends on the determination of trophozoites in stool samples or in tissue accumulated during endoscopy and cysts are less commonly met. Balantidium coli are conceded occasionally and once outside the colon are quickly damaged. To improve detection of the parasite, constant collection of stool samples must be collected.
Diagnostic findings
Microscopy
Morphologic comparison with other intestinal parasites
