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== Introduction ==
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.
Balantidium is a zoonotic parasite causing explosive and bloody diarrhoea in humans.
== Clinical Signs ==
Usually none as it is a commensal in the large colon.
When opportunistic infection occurs, dysentry and general malaise and depression will be the main clinical signs.
== Diagnosis ==
On post mortem, the colon will appear ulcerated and inflammed.
Demonstration of cysts and trophozoites on the mucosal surface will provide a definitive diagnosis.
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.
== Treatment and Control ==
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.
== References ==
Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) '''Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites '''''Royal Veterinary College ''
Straw, B.E. and Taylor, D.J. (2006) '''Disease of Swine''''' Wiley-Blackwell''
Taylor, D.J. (2006) '''Pig Diseases''' (Eighth edition) ''St Edmunsdbury Press ltd ''
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[[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]]
[[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Pig]]
[[Category:Zoonoses]]