The incidence of Balantidium coli among local and exotic pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria.
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Age Factors↗
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Case report of Balantidium coli infection.
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Balantidiasis↗
[Balantidium hepatic abscess].
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Balantidiasis↗
Diagnostic exercise. Eimeria caviae infection with concurrent Balantidium coli infection.
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Animals↗
Invasive balantidiasis presented as chronic colitis and lung involvement.
A unique case of chronic balantidiasis is described, presenting with chronic colitis and inflammatory polyposis of the rectum and sigmoid colon and an intrapulmonary mass. Histology of the colonic polyps showed Balantidium coli, and both Aspergillus and Balantidium coli were found in the aspirate of the pulmonary mass. The patient was treated with doxycycline HCl 100 mg/day for 10 days with complete clinical recovery and marked improvement of the endoscopic appearance of the colonic mucosa.
Aged↗
Molecular phylogeny of litostome ciliates (Ciliophora, Litostomatea) with emphasis on free-living haptorian genera.
The monophyly of the litostomes was tested using nine newly sequenced and four previously unpublished small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSrRNA) gene sequences from free-living Haptoria as well as from endosymbiotic Trichostomatia: the vestibuliferids Balantidium coli and Isotricha prostoma, the cyclotrichiid Mesodinium pulex, and the haptorids Loxophyllum rostratum, Dileptus sp., Enchelyodon sp., Enchelys polynucleata, Epispathidium papilliferum (isolates A and B), Spathidium stammeri, Arcuospathidium muscorum, Arcuospathidium cultriforme, and the unusual Teuthophrys trisulca. Phylogenetic analyses depicted the litostomes as a monophyletic group consisting of the trichostomes (subclass Trichostomatia) and the free-living haptorians (subclass Haptoria). The cyclotrichiids Mesodinium and Myrionecta (order Cyclotrichiida) branched either basally within or outside the Litostomatea. In most analyses, the haptorians did not receive support as a monophyletic group. Instead, Dileptus branched basally to all litostome taxa, and Epispathidium papilliferum grouped with the Subclass Trichostomatia. Some subgroupings, however, of haptorian genera corresponded to suggested superfamilial taxa (e.g., orders Spathidiida and Pleurostomatida). Within the monophyletic trichostomes, we can distinguish three clades: (1) an Australian clade; (2) the order Entodiniomorphida; and (3) the order Vestibuliferida. However, Balantidium, currently classified in the Vestibuliferida, did not group with the other vestibuliferids, suggesting that this order may be paraphyletic.
Animals↗
Balantidiosis in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).
A young adult chimpanzee died after a brief gastrointestinal illness characterized by profuse soft stool, vomiting and dyspnoea. Necropsy examination revealed a severe typhlitis and colitis with pseudomembrane formation, and acute aspiration pneumonia. Balantidium coli, a common intestinal parasite, was found in large numbers in the mucosal and submucosal layers of the colon and caecum. The inflammation and degree of invasion associated with Balantidium coli indicates that it was a primary pathogen.
Animals↗
Prevalence and age-dependent occurrence of intestinal protozoan infections in suckling piglets.
A cross-sectional survey was performed on 20 pig breeding farms in southern Hesse, central Germany, to evaluate the prevalence and age-dependent occurrence of intestinal protozoan parasites in unweaned piglets. Faecal samples of 514 clinically unaffected piglets of different age (< 1 to 5-7 weeks) were examined using the sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF) concentration technique. Infections with the following protozoan species were detected: Balantidium coli (16 of 20 farms), Entamoeba sp. (15), Jodamoeba sp. (14), Isospora (I.) suis (9), Chilomastix sp. (6) and Eimeria spp. (6). The protozoan species differed in the start and course of (oo)cyst excretion. I. suis oocysts and Jodamoeba cysts were detected already in the first week of life whereas shedding of the other parasites started later on. The prevalence of Isospora oocyst excretion increased to a maximum (18%) in 2-3 weeks old animals followed by a sharp decline. The proportion of Balantidium, Entamoeba or Jodamoeba positive suckling piglets continously increased until the age of 5-7 weeks to 60%, 52% and 22%, respectively, whereas that of Chilomastix positive animals remained on a low level of 8-12% independent of the age. Eimeria oocysts were found transiently in the faeces of 1-4 weeks old piglets.
Age Factors↗
Epizootic of balantidiasis in lowland gorillas.
Acute enteritis characterized by watery diarrhea and lethargy occurred in 4 lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) during a 5-week period at the Los Angeles Zoo. Numerous trophozoites of Balantidium coli were seen in fresh feces from each gorilla. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 1 fecal sample. Results of fecal flotation examinations were negative for eggs of metazoan parasites. The gorillas were treated with antibiotics and metronidazole or paromomycin, or both. The most severely affected gorilla had blood and mucus in its feces, became dehydrated, and required hospitalization for supportive fluid therapy. This gorilla as well as the other gorillas recovered rapidly with treatment. Balantidium coli was not seen in fecal samples after the gorillas' recovery.
Animals↗
Geophagy as a therapeutic mediator of endoparasitism in a free-ranging group of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
Parasite levels were determined for 141 members of a naturally formed social group of rhesus macaques living under free-ranging conditions. Results indicate that group members harbor Trichuris trichiura, Balantidium coli, and large numbers of Strongyloides fuelleborni. Parasite counts decrease significantly with age in this population. Females have significantly fewer parasites than males and a significantly lower prevalence of multiple infections. There were no rank effects regarding parasitosis. While 89% of the animals examined are infected with one or more species of enteric parasite, the prevalence of diarrhea is negligible (2%). The low prevalence of diarrhea in the presence of high parasite loads may be due to the practice of geophagy, which is engaged in by 76% of group members. Soil eaten by these monkeys contains large amounts of kaolinitic clays. Kaolin-based pharmaceuticals (i.e. Kaopectate) are commonly used in human populations to treat diarrhea and intestinal upsets. The mechanical and pharmaceutical properties of the natural kaolinite-based clays may counteract the effects of parasitosis in this free-ranging population.
Animals↗
Parasite transmission in confined hogs.
Examinations of fecal specimens from swine of all ages maintained in a totally enclosed confinement facility in south Georgia were conducted in a 5-year survey (1977-1981) to determine the prevalence, intensity, and transmission patterns of intestinal nematode and protozoan parasites. Weaned pigs in the nursery had no detectable parasitic infections except sporadic Isospora suis in newly weaned pigs. Growing-finishing hogs had a low prevalence of Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp. and Balantidium suis. Mean A. suum prevalence and mean eggs per gram feces (EPG) increased until about 200 days of age and then declined. Oesophagostomum spp. and B. suis prevalence and intensity tended to increase throughout life. Gilts (mean age 273 days) in the gestation unit had a higher (P less than 0.01) prevalence of A. suum and lower (P less than 0.01) prevalences of Oesophagostomum spp. and B. suis than sows (mean age 706 days). Similarly, A. suum EPG was higher (P less than 0.01) and Oesophagostomum spp. EPG and B. suis cysts per gram feces (CPG) were lower (P less than 0.01) in gilts than in sows. No evidence for a peri-parturient increase in parasite eggs or cysts was found. Instead, there was a higher prevalence of B. suis (P less than 0.01) in gestating than in lactating animals and more lactating sows than gestating sows were negative for parasites (P less than 0.01). Apparent differences due to location (gestation unit or farrowing unit) were largely attributable to age differences. Trichuris suis infections were rare and not shown to be established in the herd. Strongyloides ransomi in suckling piglets was controlled by anthelmintic therapy. I. suis occurred in piglets throughout the study but was never found in sows in the farrowing unit, either before or after birth of a subsequently infected litter of piglets. No parasites requiring intermediate hosts occurred.
Age Factors↗
Amebae and ciliated protozoa as causal agents of waterborne zoonotic disease.
The roles free-living amebae and the parasitic protozoa Entamoeba histolytica and Balantidium coli play as agents of waterborne zoonotic diseases are examined. The free-living soil and water amebae Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp., and Balamuthia mandrillaris are recognized etiologic agents of mostly fatal amebic encephalitides in humans and other animals, with immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts among the victims. Acanthamoeba spp. are also agents of amebic keratitis. Infection is through the respiratory tract, breaks in the skin, or by uptake of water into the nostrils, with spread to the central nervous system. E. histolytica and B. coli are parasitic protozoa that cause amebic dysentery and balantidiasis, respectively. Both intestinal infections are spread via a fecal-oral route, with cysts as the infective stage. Although the amebic encephalitides can be acquired by contact with water, they are not, strictly speaking, waterborne diseases and are not transmitted to humans from animals. Non-human primates and swine are reservoirs for E. histolytica and B. coli, and the diseases they cause are acquired from cysts, usually in sewage-contaminated water. Amebic dysentery and balantidiasis are examples of zoonotic waterborne infections, though human-to-human transmission can occur. The epidemiology of the diseases is examined, as are diagnostic procedures, anti-microbial interventions, and the influence of globalization, climate change, and technological advances on their spread.
Acanthamoeba↗
Balantidiasis in the gastric lymph nodes of Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia): an incidental finding.
A 4-year-old female Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) was found dead in the Gwangju Uchi Park Zoo. The animal had previously exhibited weakness and lethargy, but no signs of diarrhea. The carcass was emaciated upon presentation. The main gross lesion was characterized by severe serous atrophy of the fat tissues of the coronary and left ventricular grooves, resulting in the transformation of the fat to a gelatinous material. The rumen was fully distended with food, while the abomasum evidenced mucosal corrugation with slight congestion. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of Balantidium coli trophozoites within the lymphatic ducts of the gastric lymph node and the abdominal submucosa. On rare occasions, these organisms may invade extra-intestinal organs, in this case the gastric lymph nodes and abomasum.
Abomasum↗
Clinical trials with metronidazole in human balantidiasis.
Therapeutic activity of metronidazole against Balantidium coli was evaluated by using two drug regimens in 20 human cases of balantidiasis. All patients also harbored Trichuris trichiura. Children received a total amount of drug that varied from 2.5 g during 5 days to 7.5 g in a period of 10 days. Adults were given 5 g in 5 days or 12.5 g during a period of 10 days. In all patients B. coli disappeared after the 4th day of treatment. Frequent posttreatment stool examination remained negative. All patients tolerated the drug well and there were no side effects.
Adolescent↗
[Colonic balantidiasis].
Balantidium coli is a Protozoa that is not usually pathogenic in man, although epidemics have been described in tropical areas. It mainly affects the colon and clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic forms to severe dysenteric syndromes. We present a case of endoscopically diagnosed colonic balantidiasis and review the most important characteristics of this parasite-induced disease.
Aged↗
[Effects of Mebendazole and Cambendazole on enterohelminths in pigs].
Mebendazole, administered at a dose of 30 mg active substance per 1 kg of feed, was found to have 100% effectiveness on Ascaris suum and Cambendazole, administered at a dose of 1.5 g per 1 kg of liver weight, showed the same effectiveness in the control of Ascaris suum and Oesophagostomum dentatum. The effectiveness of both drugs on Trichocephalus suis and Strongyloides ransomi was low. Mebendazole and Cambendazole can be recommended for mass dehelminthization of pigs in affected stocks. Helminthoovoscopical examination of sows and fattened pigs showed an 88.6% extensity of invasion in sows, and a 28.3% and 33.9% extensity in three- and five-month-old pigs, respectively. Coccidiosis was found in 51.4% of the sows and Balantidium coli had an occurrence rate of 80.7 to 98.2%.
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[Etiology of acute infantile gastroenteritis in Gabon].
Rotaviruses are the main etiology of acute diarrhoeas in gabonese children (11 to 30% according to age). Salmonellae (11.4%), Shigellae (7.1%) and E. histolytica (7.1%), isolated or associated with enterobacteria, E. coli (3%), Giardia and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.4%), Yersinia enterocolitica (1%) and Balantidium coli (0.5%) were also found, without cholera.
Adolescent↗
A coprological study of parasitism in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in Indonesia.
Fecal specimens from 89 orangutans (36 captive, 34 rehabilitant, and 19 wild) at different locations in Indonesia were examined. Strongyloides spp, Balantidium coli, and strongylid nematodes were the most common infestations detected. A syngamid nematode, Mammomonogamus sp, is reported for the first time in orangutans.
Animals↗