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| + | == Introduction == |
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− | Caused by [[Balantidium|''Balantidium coli'']][[Category:To_Do_-_Kate]]
| + | Balantidiasis is caused by [[Balantidium|''Balantidium coli'']], which is a commensal in the large intestine of the pig. It cannot penetrate the mucosa without primary inflammatory damage, but when does so causes enlargement of a lesion due to the production of hyaluronidase. It is a ciliated protozoan parasite, which is usually transmitted faeco-orally in pigs. |
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| + | Balantidium is a zoonotic parasite causing explosive and bloody diarrhoea in humans. |
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| + | == Clinical Signs == |
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| + | Usually none as it is a commensal in the large colon. |
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| + | When opportunistic infection occurs, dysentry and general malaise and depression will be the main clinical signs. |
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| + | == Diagnosis == |
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| + | On post mortem, the colon will appear ulcerated and inflammed. |
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| + | Demonstration of cysts and trophozoites on the mucosal surface will provide a definitive diagnosis. |
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| + | Presence of cysts in the faeces does not lead to a diagnosis as this protozoa is a commensal organism of the pig and is therefore often found in faecal samples. |
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| + | == Treatment and Control == |
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| + | Nitrimidazole drugs cure the infection, but as they are category 4 drugs they cannot be used in food producing animals, meaning palliative treatment such as rehydration solutions are the only feasible option in all farmed pigs. |
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| + | == References == |
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| + | Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) '''Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites '''''Royal Veterinary College '' |
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| + | Straw, B.E. and Taylor, D.J. (2006) '''Disease of Swine''''' Wiley-Blackwell'' |
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| + | Taylor, D.J. (2006) '''Pig Diseases''' (Eighth edition) ''St Edmunsdbury Press ltd '' |
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| + | {{review}} |
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| + | [[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]] |
| + | [[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Pig]] |
| + | [[Category:Zoonoses]] |