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, 23:43, 9 April 2010
[[Image:Balantidium pig.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Balantidium'' from a pig - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
[[Image:Balantidium pig trophozoite.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Balantidium'' trophozoite from a pig - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
*Ciliate protozoan found as a commensal in the lumen of the [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]]
*Infects pigs and other animals
**Including humans
'''Recognition'''
*Ciliate
*80μm long
*Funnel-shaped depressions leading to the cytostome (mouth)
*Kidney shaped macronucleus
*Small micronucleus
*Contractile and food vacuoles
'''Life Cycle'''
*Reproduce by binary fission
*Thick-walled cysts pass out with faeces
**Ensure infection of a new host
'''Pathogenesis'''
*Pigs
**Usually commensal
**May cause ulceration and dysentery if the intestinal mucosa is damaged already as parasite will become invasive
*Man
**Causes ulceration and dysentery
**Infection via consuming contaminated foodstuffs and contact with infected pig faeces[[Category:Protozoa]]