Food and Water born Diseases

1. Topic:Balantidiasis
Name:M.Shahzad
Ag No:2021-ag-2568
Degree:Mphil Zoology

2. Balantidiasis
• Background
• The first study to generate balantidiasis in
humans was undertaken in 1896.
• However, this experiment was not
successful in creating an infection and it
was unclear whether Balantidium coli was
the actual parasite used.
• The first case of balantidiasis in the
Philippines where it is the most common,
was reported in 1904.

3. Introduction
• Balantidium coli is an intestinal
protozoan parasite that causes the
infection called balantidiasis.
• While this type of infection is
uncommon in the United States,
humans and other mammals can
infected with Balantidium coli by
ingesting infective cysts from food and
water that is contaminated by feces.
• Asymptomatic Balantidium infection
can cause such symptoms as diarrhea
and abdominal pain.

4. Where B.coli is endemic
• Balantidium coli infection in humans is
rare in the United States.
• Balantidium coli is found throughout the
world, but it is most prevalent in tropical
and subtropical regions and developing
countries.
• Because pigs are an animal reservoir,
human infections occur more frequently
in areas where pigs are raised.
• Especially if good hygiene practice.

5. Geograhical Distribution
• Balantidium coli occurs worldwide.
• Because pigs are the primary
reservoir.
• Human infections occur more
frequently in areas .
• where pigs are raised and sanitation
is inadequate.

6. Host
• Swine are the primary reservoir
hosts.
• Humans can also be reservoirs.
• Other potential animal hosts include
.
• Also rodents and nonhuman
primates.

7. Site of Infection
• Balantidium coli infects the large
intestine in humans
• Produces infective microscopic cysts
that are passed in the feces.
• Potentially leading to re-infection or
infection of other.

8. Morphology
• Morphology of Balantidium coli
exists in either of two
developmental stages:
• Trophozoites and cysts. In the
trophozoite form.
• They can be oblong or spherical.
• Typically 30 to 150 µm in length
• While 25 to 120 µm in width.

9. Tropozoites
• Trophozoites are characterized by
their large size (40 µm to 200 µm).
• The presence of cilia on the cell
surface, a cytostome.
• A bean shaped macronucleus
which is often visible and a smaller.
• Less conspicuous micronucleus.

10. Life Cycle
• Balantidium has a simple life cycle.
• A dormant cyst to trophozoite and
trophozoite to cyst.
• Transmission is direct, from a
contaminated water or food supply to
humans .
• No intermediate host as occurs with
many other parasitic species is
needed.

11. Sign and Symtoms
• People who are immune-
compromised are the most likely to
experience more severe signs and
symptoms.
• These include persistent diarrhea,
dysentery, abdominal pain.
• Weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. If
left untreated, perforation of the
colon can occur.

12. Diagnosis
• Diagnosis is based on detection of
trophozoites in stool samples from
symptomatic patients or in tissue
collected during endoscopy.
• Cysts are less frequently encountered,
and are most likely to be recovered
from formed stool.
• Balantidium coli is passed
intermittently and once outside the
colon is rapidly destroyed.

13. Treatment
• Three medications are used most
often to treat Balantidium
coli, tetracycline, metronidazole,
and iodoquinol.
• Tetracyclines are contraindicated in
pregnancy and in children < 8 years
old.
• Tetracycline should be taken 1 hour
before or 2 hours after meals or
ingestion of dairy products.

14. Control and Prevention
• Balantidium coli infection can
prevented when traveling by
following ...
• Wash your hands with hygiene
practices.
• Soap and warm water after using
the toilet, changing diapers, and
before handling food.
• Teach children the importance of
washing hands to prevent infection.