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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK03510}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Balantidiasis}
$Subject{Balantidiasis Balantidiosis Balantidosis}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1986 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
121:
Balantidiasis
** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of the article (Balantidiasis) is not
the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the
alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.
Synonyms
Balantidiosis
Balantidosis
General Discussion
** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section.
Balantidiasis is an intestinal infection, usually confined to tropical
areas, caused by the protozoan Balantidium coli. This microorganism normally
resides in the intestines of pigs, and only rarely infects man. Infection is
characterized by diarrhea, dysentery, and ulceration of the large intestine.
Recovery from balantidiasis usually is complete, especially with
antimicrobial treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Balantidiasis resemble those of amebiasis (infection with
amoebas). Recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, headache, weakness, and fever generally occur. The microorganisms
infect the large intestine, often causing ulcerations which produce pain and
rectal bleeding.
Causes
Balantidiasis is caused by the protozoan Balantidium coli, which normally is
found in swine. How the microorganism spread from swine to man is not known.
Alternate names for Balantidium coli include Holophrya coli, Leukophrya coli,
and Paramecium coli.
Affected Population
Balantidiasis occurs chiefly in the tropics among persons in contact with
swine.
Therapies: Standard
The drug of choice in treating Balantidiasis is tetracycline, an antibiotic
which also acts against protozoa such as Balantidium coli. When tetracycline
is inappropriate, diiodohydroxyquin may be used instead. There is no need to
isolate (quarantine) the patient.
Outbreaks of Balantidiasis can be prevented or controlled by sanitary
measures. Human feces must be disposed of in such a manner that they do not
come into contact with drinking water of food supplies, either for humans or
swine. Care must also be taken not to allow pig feces to contaminate human
food or water.
Therapies: Investigational
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
September 1989. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to
keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and
accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for
the most current information about this disorder.
Resources
For more information on Balantidiasis, please contact:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783
(203) 746-6518
NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5717
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3534
References
CECIL TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE, 18th ed.: James B. Wyngaarden, and Lloyd H.
Smith, Jr., Eds.: W. B. Saunders Co., 1988. P. 1889.