Balantidium coli
Images:
Trophozoites:
http://www.k-state.edu/parasitology/625tutorials/Balantidium.html
Cysts:
http://www.k-state.edu/parasitology/625tutorials/Ciliates.html
Phylogeny:
Phylum Ciliophora
Preferred definitive host:
Humans
Reservoir hosts:
Pigs, guinea pigs, rats, other mammals.
Intermediate/vector hosts:
None
Geographical location:
Most common in
Organs affected:
Cecum and colon
Symptoms:
Proteolytic enzymes digest the intestinal epithelium
of the host. Ulcer is flask-shaped, and causes lymphocytic infiltration,
hemorrhage, secondary bacterial infection. Large intestine and appendix may be
perforated.
Treatment:
Carbarsone, diiodohydroxyquin,
tetracycline. Epidemiological control and treatment are similar to those of E.
histolytica.