U4 - Ciliates

Question 1

Ciliates:
Phylum

Answer 1

Phylum Ciliophora

Question 2

Identify the parasite:
Largest protozoan parasite affecting humans

Answer 2

Balantidium coli

Question 3

Balantidium coli:
Normal host

Answer 3

pigs, man

Question 4

Balantidium coli:
MOT

Answer 4

Ingestion of Cysts

Question 5

Balantidium coli:
habitat

Answer 5

Colon (cecum)

Question 6

Balantidium coli:
pathogenesis: it attacks?

Answer 6

intestinal epithelium

Question 7

Balantidium coli:
pathogenesis: ulcers

Answer 7

rounded base and wide neck

Question 8

Balantidium coli:
pathogenesis: Ulcerations are due to?

Answer 8

hyaluronidase

Question 9

Balantidiasis:
3 forms of clinical manifestations

Answer 9

1. Asymptomatic
2. Fulminant balantidiasis/ balantidial dysentery
3. Chronic form

Question 10

Balantidium coli:
pathogenesis: Can spread to?

Answer 10

extraintestinal sites

Question 11

Balantidium coli:
pathogenesis: Complications/fatal cases

Answer 11

1. intestinal perforations
2. intestinal hemorrhage
3. shock
4. sepsis
5. acute appendicitis

Question 12

Balantidium coli:
diagnosis

Answer 12

1. DFS
2. Concentration techniques
3. Biopsy
4. Bronchoalveolar washings (in case of pulmonary infections)

Question 13

Balantidium coli:
treatment

Answer 13

1. Tetracycline or metronidazole
2. Alternative treatment:
   doxycycline and nitazoxanide

Question 14

Balantidium coli:
epidemiology

Answer 14

Prevalent in:
1. areas with poor sanitation
2. abbatoir, farms (close contact w/ pigs)
3. overcrowded institution
4. Warm/humid climates

Question 15

Balantidium coli:
prevention and control

Answer 15

1. Proper sanitation
2. Safe water supply
3. Good personal hygiene
4. Proper food preparation
5. Cysts are easily inactivated by heat and 1% sodium hypochlorite