Balantidiasis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Definition of balantidiasis

Balantidiasis is a rare intestinal infection caused by bacteria Balantidium coli , a single-celled parasite. This parasite frequently infects pigs and rarely infects humans.

Some infected humans may have no symptoms or only mild diarrhea as well as abdominal discomfort. However, some people may experience more serious symptoms, which resemble acute intestinal inflammation.

Balantidium infection in humans is rare, and even tends to be rare in countries such as the United States. Balantidiasis is more common in pigs in warmer areas and in apes in tropical climates, where human infections are also more common.

This condition can occur in patients of any age. Balantidiasis can be treated by reducing risk factors. Discuss with your doctor for more information about this disease.

Symptoms of balantidiasis

Quoted from the center for disease control and prevention of the United States, the CDC, most people are infected Balantidium coli did not experience any symptoms. However, these bacteria infect the large intestine and cause the appearance of very small cysts.

People with a weakened immune system may experience symptoms of balantidiasis, such as:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Gag

If the above symptoms are not treated, you may experience intestinal perforation which can lead to acute inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the stomach. Sometimes, this condition can reduce lung function.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor.

Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Causes and risk factors for balantidiasis

Balantidiasis is caused by bacteria Balantidium coli . These bacteria can be divided into two forms, namely trophozoites or cysts. Trophozoites are oblong or round in shape and are the largest protozoan parasites in humans.

Meanwhile, a cyst or shape Balantidium coli infective, smaller and rounder. Unlike trophozoites, cysts do not have cilia (tools for movement) on their surface and do not migrate.

Transmission

Bacteria Balantidium coli transmitted by the faecal-oral route. That is, you can become infected by eating and drinking food and water that is contaminated with human or animal waste. Balantidiasis can occur in a number of ways, such as:

• Eat meat, fruits, and vegetables that have been contaminated by an infected person, or have been contaminated by animal waste that has been infected.
• Drink or wash food with contaminated water.
• Not living clean habits.

Risk factors

Certain conditions may increase your risk of developing balantidiasis. These conditions include:

• Contact with pigs
• Touching manure that is contaminated with pig feces
• Live in an area with a contaminated water supply
• Malnutrition
• Alcoholic
• Absence of stomach acid (achlorhydria)

Experiencing the conditions above do not necessarily make you develop balantidiasis. However, if you want to reduce the risk of infection, avoid and treat the conditions above.

Diagnosis and treatment

How is balantidiasis diagnosed?

Balantidiasis can be diagnosed with the help of the following tests:

• Laboratory test
  Stool samples are used to diagnose infections B. coli . Great Trophozoites from B. coli can be recognized easily, when a stool sample is exposed and viewed under a microscope. Although protozoa have silia in the body, the cilia may not always be visible because the organism removes them during a prolonged period at the cyst stage.
• Colonoscopy
  An endoscopic examination of the colon can be performed to take a biopsy sample of the ulcer.

How to treat balantidiasis?

Treatment for balantidiasis aims to reduce the severity of symptoms and to prevent complications. Patients with weak immune systems often need prolonged therapy.

1. Medicines

Antibiotics are given to kill protozoa B. coli . Antibiotics to treat balantidiasis are:

• Tetracycline
• Metronidazole
• Puromycin
• Iodoquinol
• Nitazoxanide

Tetracycline kills protozoa by inhibiting protein synthesis in cells, where the synthetic drug metronidazole has effective anti-protozoal and antibacterial properties. Both drugs are often given to patients who have diarrhea.

The following are the lengths and rules of treatment that are usually given by doctors to treat balantidiasis:

• Tetracycline tablets given for 10 days, 4 times a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, are not recommended for pregnant women.
• Metronidazole tablets are given for 5 days, 3 times a day.
• Alternatively, iodoquinol tablets are given for 20 days, 3 times a day after meals.
• Fluids and electrolyte substitutes are recommended for patients with severe diarrhea.

However, make sure you consult your doctor about the right dosage for you. Every person's condition is different, so it may require different treatment.

2. Operation

Surgery is required in some rare cases, where balantidiasis causes appendicitis. In these patients, the appendix is ​​removed by a surgical procedure called an appendectomy.

Prevention of balantidiasis

Like various other bacterial infections, balantiadiasis can be prevented by applying hygiene. One of the simplest ways is to wash your hands.

Furthermore, here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with balantidiasis:

• Wash hands with soap and running water after using the toilet and before touching food.
• If there is no soap, use it hand sanitizer alcohol based to clean hands.
• Apply hand washing habits to your children.
• Drink and use clean water sources.
• Maintain hygienic living conditions.
• Avoid contact with pigs and fertilizers that are contaminated with pig feces.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water, even if they have peeled off the skin.