Difference between revisions of "Balantidiasis"
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
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== Clinical Signs == | == Clinical Signs == | ||
| − | Usually | + | Usually none as it is a commensal in the large colon. |
| − | When | + | When opportunistic infection occurs, dysentry and general malaise and depression will be the main clinical signs. |
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
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On post mortem, the colon will appear ulcerated and inflammed. | On post mortem, the colon will appear ulcerated and inflammed. | ||
| − | Demonstration of cysts and trophozoites on the mucosal surface will provide a | + | 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. | 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 == | == 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 | + | 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 == | == References == | ||
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Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites Royal Veterinary College <br>Straw, B.E. and Taylor, D.J. (2006) Disease of Swine Wiley-Blackwell <br>Taylor, D.J. (2006) Pig Diseases (Eighth edition) St Edmunsdbury Press ltd <br> | Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites Royal Veterinary College <br>Straw, B.E. and Taylor, D.J. (2006) Disease of Swine Wiley-Blackwell <br>Taylor, D.J. (2006) Pig Diseases (Eighth edition) St Edmunsdbury Press ltd <br> | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animals]] |
| + | [[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Pig]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Zoonoses]] | ||
Revision as of 14:11, 4 March 2011
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
Introduction
Balantidiasis is caused by 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