Balantidium

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Balantidium from a pig - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Balantidium trophozoite from a pig - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  • 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