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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 non as it is a commensal in the large colon.
When oppurtunistic 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 definative 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 feasable option in all farmed pigs.
== References ==
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>
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