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Balantidium coli, a large, ciliated pathogen, is known to cause balantidiasis in humans. We report a case of B. coli infection in a 37-year-old male with tuberculosis and presenting with fever, anorexia, mild abdominal pain, and episodes of loose stools for 1 week.
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The study was conducted to investigate chronic diarrhea cases and therapeutic trial in dairy cattle and buffaloes infected with Balantidium coli. Hundred and one adult dairy cattle and buffaloes presented with the history of diarrhea (>2 weeks) were selected for the study. Balantidium coli was isolated and diagnosed in 38 infected cattle and buffal...
Within the last decades hamadryas baboons have been extensively used as experimental models for a different type of studies in the biomedical research centers. Balantidium coli a protozoan parasite is commonly infects human and animals such as primates worldwide. Whoever, investigating zoonotic diseases and common infections of these non-human prim...
Citations
... Human infection is usually an uncommon occurrence caused by cyst contamination in food and water. These issues are more frequent among malnourished people, those who work with pigs, cattle and other animals, and those who work in unsanitary conditions (Kumar et al., 2016). Coccidia is a common intestinal parasite of pigs. ...
Bovines are important reservoir hosts of schistosomiasis, placing humans and animals in rice fields areas at risk of infection. This study reported the prevailing infection of zoonotic parasites from bovine feces in the rice fields adjacent to Lake Mainit, Philippines. Formalin Ethyl Acetate Sedimentation was performed on 124 bovine fecal samples from rice fields and documented eggs and cysts from seven parasites: Schistosoma japonicum, Fasciola gigantica, Ascaris sp., Strongyloides sp., Balantidium coli, coccidian oocyst and a hookworm species. Among these parasites, F. gigantica harboured the highest infection with a 100% prevalence rate, followed by hookworms (51.61%), B. coli (30.64%) and S. japonicum (12.09%), respectively. The intensity of infection of S. japonicum eggs per gram (MPEG = 4.19) among bovines is categorized as ‘light.’ Bovine contamination index (BCI) calculations revealed that, on average, infected bovines in rice fields excrete 104 750 S. japonicum eggs daily. However, across all ricefield stations, bovines were heavily infected with fascioliasis with BCI at 162 700 F. gigantica eggs per day. The study reports that apart from the persistent cases of schistosomiasis in the area, bovines in these rice fields are also heavily infected with fascioliasis. The study confirms the critical role of bovines as a reservoir host for continued infection of schistosomiasis, fascioliasis and other diseases in the rice fields of Lake Mainit. Immediate intervention to manage the spread of these diseases in bovines is recommended.
... More severe disease consequences and extraintestinal involvement often affect individuals with immune deficiency and underlying diseases. [1][2][3][4] Herein, we report a case of bladder cancer with B. coli in urine. ...
... Additionally, it has also been reported to colonize the urinary tracts of dialysis patients. [1][2][3][4]9,20 Balantidiasis can affect several hosts, particularly those with chronic-degenerative diseases or compromised immune systems. Immunodeficiency, alcoholism, and malnutrition are critical risk factors. ...
Key Clinical Message
In contrast to intestinal balantidiasis, which is widespread throughout the world, urinary balantidiasis is uncommon. It often affects people with underlying diseases, and acute infections may be fatal. Even though urine is not typical for this parasite, specific morphologic characteristics can aid in accurate diagnosis.
Abstract
Balantidium coli is a ciliated protozoan which can infect intestinal system. Urinary balantidiasis is an extremely rare infection that may cause serious issues in patients with underlying diseases. Herein, we present a case of urinary balantidiasis in a patient with bladder cancer.
... e clinical presentation of the infection is vague, similar to that as seen in salmonellosis, shigellosis, cholera, coccidial or microsporidia, amebiasis, and other enteric infections, characterized by bloody diarrhoea or dysentery, tenesmus, nausea, vomiting, and other abdominal symptoms [2,3]. It is, however, a potent pathogen owing to its rare human incidence and nonspeci c clinical presentations often neglected from the diagnosis considerations [4][5][6][7]. Herein, we report a case of neglected balantidiasis presumed as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. ...
... While relating balantidiasis with gender, gender should not be considered a direct risk factor because men and women have specific roles for the sustenance of their families and their roles may vary from country to country [10]. In the South Asian region, a few cases of human balantidiasis were reported [4,6,7,12]. From Nepal, our case is the second known to us; the backdrop and presentation of our case compared to the previous, however, is different [12]. ...
Background:
Balantidiasis, due to its rare human incidence and nonspecific clinical presentations often neglected from the diagnosis considerations; however, a potent pathogen. Herein, we report a case of neglected balantidiasis presumed as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Case Presentation. A 27-year-old policeman presented in Sindhuli Hospital, with a chief complaint of epigastric pain, nausea, decreased appetite for several days, and loose stools (3-4 episodes per day). Previously, he was under antibiotic therapy (amoxycillin) for tonsillitis. The health post clinician made a presumptive diagnosis as the side effects of the antibiotics; however, the symptoms were not resolved. Complete blood cell count (CBC) was normal; renal function test (RFT) and liver function (LFT) were within the normal ranges. Ultrasonography of the abdomen and ECG (electrocardiogram) showed normal findings. However, on routine stool actively motile trophozoites of Balantidium coli (B. coli) were seen. He was treated successfully with metronidazole 750 mg tabs orally three times daily for 5 days.
Conclusion:
Protozoal infections, like balantidiasis, might be excluded from the diagnostic consideration in antibiotic-associated diarrhoea cases. Therefore, meticulous review of nonspecific clinical presentation and validation of an etiology with support of diagnostic tests are mandatory.
... In general, balantidiasis is asymptomatic, but when it presents clinical manifestations, these are characterized by dysentery, similar to that of the amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica, including diarrhea that can be mucous-bloody, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting (Parija & Giri, 2012;Kumar et al., 2016). More serious disease complications often affect individuals with weakened immune systems (Schuster & Ramirez-Avila, 2008). ...
... This is supposed to be the first case of balantidiosis involving bone and the formation of a vertebral abscess. The report by Kumar et al. (2016) indicates an association between chronic alcoholism, intestinal infection by B. coli, and the patient's immunocompromised state due to anti-tuberculosis therapy six months earlier, which may have contributed to the establishment of the ciliate. The report by Kapur et al. (2016) portrays a case of a liver abscess in a patient, probably also associated with alcohol consumption. ...
Balantidiasis, a disease caused by the ciliated protozoan Balantidium coli, mainly infects thelarge intestine and may present intestinal spread. The purpose of this literature review was to study the infection by B. coli and comorbidities to identify the factors that can contribute to the establishment of the disease. In this review, we attempt to explore and describe the various comorbidities associated with B. coli infection. We reviewed the literature based on comorbidities with a focus on the association with B. coli infection. The primary platforms targeted were PubMed, LILACS, SciELO and Google Scholar. Studies published between 1990 and 2020 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were considered. The comorbidities reported in the papers were diverse, associating infection by B. coli with the immunosuppression that they generate. The intestinal microbiota may also play an important role, because when dysbiosis is present, its composition and structure are affected, which may enable the invasion of the mucosa. The review shows that the presence of the parasite and establishment of balantidiasis can influence in the clinical stage of chronic and autoimmune diseases, considering themodulation of the immune response in presence of B. coli.KEY WORDS: Balantidium coli; autoimmunity; balantidiosis; comorbidities; immunodepression.
... B. coli causes bloody diarrhea which is similar to that of amoebic dysentery [5]. Some cardinal symptoms of balantidiosis in humans include passing of loose stools, anorexia, fever, and mild abdominal pain [6]. Currently, Centre for Disease Control has recommended the use of tetracycline, metronidazole, and iodoquinol as the treatment option for human balantidiosis [7]. ...
Background:
In Ghana, Balantidium coli (B. coli) has been identified in vegetables and in pigs, although there is a paucity of data regarding human balantidiosis. This study sought to assess human B. coli infection in Ghana, factors associated with the infection as well as its association with haematological and biochemical parameters.
Methods:
Two pig rearing communities in the Ga West Municipality, Ghana, were involved in this study. Stool and blood samples were collected from pig farmers and their exposed household members as well as relevant information on potential associated factors. Eosin-saline wet preparation was done on the same day of stool samples were collected while formol ether concentration technique was performed later. Haematological, biochemical parameters and serum electrolytes were determined using Celltac MEK-6500 K, PKL-125 biochemical analyser, and FT-320 electrolyte analyser, respectively.
Results:
The overall prevalence of balantidiosis was 10.4 %, significantly higher among farmers (21.7 %) than in exposed household members (5.8 %) (x2 = 17.8, p = 0.000025). Of the 43 infected individuals, 20.9 % were co-infected with either Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, or Schistosoma mansoni. In B. coli infection, mild to moderate anaemia together with a reduction in levels of platelet, albumin and, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions were observed. However, white blood cells were significantly elevated in infected states. Poor farming practices such as free-range systems, improper disposal of pig faeces, lack of use of protective farming clothing, and unavailability of dedicated farming clothing were found to be associated with B. coli infection status. Finally, frequent diarrhea (OR = 12.30, p = 0.006) with occult blood (OR = 25.94, p < 0.0001) were found to be predictors of B. coli infection.
Conclusions:
Human balantidiosis is endemic in Ga West Municipality, Ghana. Individuals living closed to pig rearing communities presenting with frequent diarrhea with occult blood in stool should be screened and treated for balantidiosis to mitigate the clinical consequences of the infection.
... In humans, a 0.7% prevalence of B.coli has been reported from Panama (Schuster & Ramirez-Avila, 2008). Human Balantidiasis cases are also reported from India in recent years (Parija et al., 2016). The primary aim of this study is to describe the therapeutic management of Balantidiasis in buffaloes. ...
A 5-year old buffalo was presented for anorexia and watery mucoid diarrhea from two months with the previous history of treatment with anthelmintics and antidiarrheal by local veterinarians. To find the cause of the disease fecal sample was examined and blood was tested for recording hematological parameters. Balantidium coli trophozoites were observed in the fecal sample. Buffalo was treated with oxytetracycline at 10mg/kg body weight for four days. The efficacy of treatment was estimated 10 days post-treatment by the absence of cyst or trophozoites in feces, improvement in hematological parameters and disappearance of clinical signs.
... The clinical presentations are classified into three types (Swartzwelder, 1950): asymptomatic, chronic, and dysenteric. In symptomatic cases, B. coli invades the intestinal wall; the most common form is the chronic balantidiasis which is characterized by colitis with unspecific abdominal disorders as diarrhoea or abdominal pain, usually accompanied with nauseas and vomiting (Al-tayib, 2014; Bellanger et al., 2013;Clyti et al., 1998;Kumar et al., 2016;Yazar et al., 2004). In the dysenteric form (the balantidial dysentery), mucus and blood in faeces, rectal pain and haemorrhages due to intestinal perforation are observed (Ferry et al., 2004;Gomez Hinojosa et al., 2019;Headley et al., 2008;Hernández et al., 1993); dissemination to other extraintestinal sites can occur. ...
Balantioides coli (=Balantidium coli) is the only ciliate that parasitizes humans. Pigs are the main reservoir. Other species, as camels, cattle, donkey, sheep and goat have been also proposed as reservoirs for human infections. The parasite has a direct life cycle, being transmitted by the faecal-oral route. This type of cycle and the large number of host species imply an important potential for zoonotic transmission of the parasite. Infections are most commonly found in tropical and temperate regions, with prevalence up to 100% in pigs; high prevalence values have been also recorded in some non-human primates and camels. In humans, prevalence is usually under 10% in the population at risk. The main epidemiological factors involved in the transmission of this parasite include close contact with pigs, lack of basic sanitation infrastructures (water supply, wastewater disposal) and hygiene. Individual health status, intestinal microbiota and diet are also important for the onset of the infection. Outbreaks caused by this parasite are rare; those reported to date were related to poor hygienic conditions or to catastrophic natural disasters. Balantioides coli infections can be asymptomatic and symptomatic, which can be chronic (with intermittent diarrhoea), or acute (a dysenteric form which can be life-threatening). Efective treatments include tetracycline, iodoquinol and 5-nitroimidazole compounds (metronidazole, secnidazole). The main effective individual preventive measure is the use of disinfected water for drinking and other uses. Adequate water supply infrastructures, proper disposal of wastewater and animal faeces, and regular monitoring programs on farms will help limit transmission.
... From India, Kaur et al. (2002) reported that 2.4% diarrheic children of Delhi were positive for Balantidium coli infection. Besides, the infection has also been reported as case report from India (Kumar et al., 2016). ...
... It can be presented with bloody diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain that can rarely lead to fulminant ulceration of the intestines with perforation which can be fatal [1]. The fecal oral transmission of B. coli commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical countries in regions where there are lots of pigs and poor sanitation, as can be seen by a peak incidence of 28% prevalence of the disease in pig farmers in New Guinea [2][3][4][5]. The worldwide prevalence of this disease is much lower at 0.02% to 1% [2]. ...
Balantidiasis is a rare zoonotic disease with the worldwide prevalence of less than 1%; even rarer are the extraintestinal infections in urogenital tract. Here, we describe a case where the causative parasite, Balantidium coli, was found in the urine of a 70-year-old Slovene female pig farmer, having psoriasis vulgaris for 25 years and several comorbidities. As far as authors know, this is the first documented case of urinary balantidiasis in a patient with psoriasis. We have treated her infection with metronidazole and for psoriasis the systemic treatment with apremilast was chosen. The aim of this article is to alert doctors to this rare disease and illustrate the importance of actively looking for the comorbidities and getting a urine sediment examination on immune-compromised patients and before the potential application of biopharmaceuticals.
... A similar distribution pattern of Giardia spp., has been reported by different researchers, elsewhere from India (Rao et al., 1977;Ramesh et al., 1991). Apart from these common intestinal parasites infecting the human, we have also reported a case of a rare parasitic infection with Balantidium coli (Kumar et al., 2016). ...
