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Veterinary Parasitology Sep 2023Domestic camels (Camelus bactrianus, the Bactrian camel; and Camelus dromedarius, the dromedary) are pseudo-ruminant herbivores kept as livestock in rural, inhospitable...
Domestic camels (Camelus bactrianus, the Bactrian camel; and Camelus dromedarius, the dromedary) are pseudo-ruminant herbivores kept as livestock in rural, inhospitable regions (cold deserts and dry steppes of Asia, arid to semi-arid regions of Africa, western and central Asia). Their close contact with humans makes them a potential reservoir for zoonotic parasite infections, as has been suggested for human balantidiasis. However, there is confusion about the ciliate species that infects camels: Infundibulorium cameli was originally described in dromedaries, but this name has almost never been used and most authors identified their findings as Balantioides coli and, to a lesser extent, Buxtonella sulcata, a cattle ciliate. To clarify the taxonomic status of the parasite and the corresponding zoonotic significance for camels, we performed morphological characterization of cysts and genetic analysis (SSU-rDNA and ITS markers) of B. coli-like isolates from Bactrian camels from Bulgaria and from dromedaries from Spain and the United Arab Emirates. Our results indicate that the camel ciliate is not B. coli, nor is it B. sulcata, but is a different species that should be placed in the same genus as the latter. Thus, camels are not a reservoir for human balantidiasis. Although the correct genus name would be Infundibulorium according to the principle of priority, this would lead to confusion since this name has almost fallen into disuse since its initial description, but Buxtonella is almost universally used by researchers and veterinarians for the cattle ciliate. We therefore propose to apply the reversal of precedence and use Buxtonella as the valid genus name. Consequently, we propose Buxtonella cameli n.comb. as the name for the camel ciliate.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Humans; Camelus; Balantidiasis; Zoonoses; Asia; Africa; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 37494847
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109984 -
Clinical Case Reports Jul 2023In contrast to intestinal balantidiasis, which is widespread throughout the world, urinary balantidiasis is uncommon. It often affects people with underlying diseases,...
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
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.
PubMed: 37465246
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7494 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023plays an important role in the diarrhea of weaned piglets, but its pathogenic potential and interaction with gut microbes remain unclear. To investigate the impact of...
plays an important role in the diarrhea of weaned piglets, but its pathogenic potential and interaction with gut microbes remain unclear. To investigate the impact of colonization on the gut bacterial structure and function of weaned piglets, a metagenomic analysis based on shotgun sequencing was performed on fresh fecal samples collected from ten -colonized piglets and eight -free ones in this study. The results showed that decreasing diversity and shifted composition and function of the bacterial community were detected in the weaned piglets infected by . In contrast to the -negative group, the relative abundances of some members of the phylum including , species, and , which produce short-chain fatty acids, were significantly reduced in the -positive group. Notably, some species of the genus (such as sp. CAG:604 and ) were significantly increased in abundance in the -positive piglets. A functional analysis of the gut microbiota demonstrated that the differential gene sets for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids were abundant in both groups, and the more enriched pathways in -infected piglets were associated with the sugar-specific phosphotransferase system (PTS) and the two-component regulatory system, as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis. Furthermore, several species of were significantly positively correlated to the synthesis of lipid A, leading to the exporting of endotoxins and, thereby, inducing inflammation in the intestines of weaned piglets. Taken together, these findings revealed that colonization by was distinctly associated with the dysbiosis of gut bacterial structure and function in weaned piglets. Lower relative abundances of and and higher abundances of species were biomarkers of infection in weaned piglets.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Metagenome; Balantidiasis; Virulence; Diarrhea
PubMed: 37445967
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310791 -
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases 2022Balantidiasis, due to its rare human incidence and nonspecific clinical presentations often neglected from the diagnosis considerations; however, a potent pathogen....
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. . 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 () 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.
PubMed: 35734242
DOI: 10.1155/2022/6013151 -
International Medical Case Reports... 2022is a ciliated protozoan parasite, which causes intestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans. It is transmitted feco-orally by ingesting infective cysts with food...
BACKGROUND
is a ciliated protozoan parasite, which causes intestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans. It is transmitted feco-orally by ingesting infective cysts with food and water. Urinary balantidiasis may occur through contamination (direct spread from the anal area), secondarily to rectovaginal fistula and following immune suppression. Data about cases of urinary balantidiasis are rare in the world. Currently, there are no documented reports of urinary balantidiasis in Ethiopia. As our understanding, there are only eleven documented reports of urinary balantidiasis globally. However, cases of urinary balantidiasis among pregnant women have not been documented yet. The aim of this report is to alarm health professionals for considering the occurrence of such rare cases and conduct diagnosis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 24-year old pregnant woman was admitted due to severe preeclampsia and preterm delivery at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, gynecology ward. Her urine was presented to inpatient laboratory for routine urinalysis. We detected unusual and ciliated parasite from her urine sediment characterized by its active and rotary motility through its cilia and possessing macro- and micro-nuclei, several food vacuoles and ingested red blood cells inside the cytoplasm. Hematuria, many white blood cells and epithelial cells were also detected from the urine sediment, which suggests genito-urinary tract infection due to this parasite. This rare parasite finding was confirmed to be .
CONCLUSION
The route of transmission and extraintestinal existence from this woman's urine was unclear. It might be due to feco-oral transmission and spread to the genitourinary tract through direct anal contact. Moreover, it might be associated with immune suppression as she is pregnant woman.
PubMed: 35345500
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S355536 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Oct 2021In 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...
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 %) (x = 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.
Topics: Animals; Balantidiasis; Entamoeba histolytica; Ghana; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Swine
PubMed: 34627168
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06731-2 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Sep 2021is a zoonotic protozoan parasite whose main reservoir is pigs. Recent studies have shown that variant A but not B has zoonotic potential. While infection has been...
is a zoonotic protozoan parasite whose main reservoir is pigs. Recent studies have shown that variant A but not B has zoonotic potential. While infection has been reported in different animals and countries, the prevalence of the zoonotic variant is limited due to a lack of molecular information. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of in domestic pigs in Korea and assessed its zoonotic potential. A total of 188 pig fecal samples were collected from slaughterhouses in Korea. was identified by microscopy and molecular methods. was identified in 79 (42.9%) and 174 (94.6%) samples by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. This study also developed a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method to differentiate variant A from B without sequence analysis. Using this method, 62 (33.7%) and 160 (87.0%) samples were positive for variants A and B, respectively, and 48 (26.1%) samples were co-infected with both variants. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed a high genetic diversity of in pigs in Korea. To our knowledge, this is the first study to develop a method to differentiate variants A and B without sequence analysis and to assess the molecular epidemiology of in pigs. Continuous monitoring of zoonotic in pigs should be performed as pigs are the main source of human balantidiasis.
PubMed: 34573625
DOI: 10.3390/ani11092659 -
Veterinary World Apr 2021Balantidiasis, caused by (syn. or ), represents a neglected parasitic infection of zoonotic significance affecting a variety of hosts, including domestic pigs that are...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Balantidiasis, caused by (syn. or ), represents a neglected parasitic infection of zoonotic significance affecting a variety of hosts, including domestic pigs that are the main reservoir. has a direct life cycle with a fecal-oral route transmission that occurs mainly by the ingestion of food and water contaminated with cysts. The ingestion of meat contaminated during inappropriate slaughtering processes may represent a new potential route of transmission. Only a few studies have investigated the prevalence of in domestic pigs in Italy, despite its high prevalence and zoonotic significance. This study aimed to improve the knowledge on i prevalence in domestic swine reared both in intensive and "en plein air" breeding systems in the south of Italy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The infection rate of in pigs bred in 15 different pig farms and regularly slaughtered in South Italy, in the Calabria region, was investigated. From 2017 to 2019, 177 terminal parts of the rectums of pigs, of which 91 commercial hybrids and 86 autochthonous (Nero Calabrese), reared, respectively, in intensive and "en plein air" breeding system, were tested for parasite detection. After the slaughtering, the terminal part of the rectum was sampled and transported to the laboratories and immediately processed. For the detection of trophozoites, fresh smears of feces were examined at light microscopy. Moreover, flotation was performed using a sodium chloride solution, then smears of feces were dispersed on microscope slides and examined at light microscopy. The observed parasites were identified at the species level using morphological characteristics.
RESULTS
was detected in a total of 83 (i.e., 46.89%) pigs, with a significantly higher prevalence (p<0.0001) found in commercial hybrid (i.e., 59/91-64.84%) pigs rather than in autochthonous ones (i.e., 24/86-27.91%). It follows that the infection was more common in pigs reared in the intensive breeding system than in "en plein air" ones (p<0.0001). The infection prevalence was higher in males than in females and lower in elder animals than in younger ones (p=0.012 and p<0.0001, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The breeding system is likely the main discriminant for the parasite spread as well as the hygienic condition of the farms. Good manufacturing and hygiene practices along the food production chain are crucial in preventing human balantidiasis transmission by meat consumption. The high prevalence, the wide spectrum of host species, and its zoonotic significance push toward a greater public interest.
PubMed: 34083958
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1044-1049 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports May 2020Balantidium coli, a parasitic unicellular ciliate, often causes asymptomatic balantidiasis of the colon, but extraintestinal disease may occur rarely in immunosuppressed...
BACKGROUND
Balantidium coli, a parasitic unicellular ciliate, often causes asymptomatic balantidiasis of the colon, but extraintestinal disease may occur rarely in immunosuppressed individuals. Renal balantidiasis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus has not been reported before.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a case of a 48-year-old Thai woman who presented with nephrotic syndrome due to systemic lupus erythematosus-related nephritis. Initially, few B. coli cysts were found in urine sediment, but these increased substantially following treatment with prednisolone. She made an uneventful recovery with 10 days of oral tetracycline therapy. No B. coli cysts were found in her stool.
CONCLUSION
The route of infection in our patient was unclear but is likely to have been orofecal. Neither her infection nor its treatment caused a deterioration in her renal function.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Balantidiasis; Balantidium; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Lupus Nephritis; Middle Aged; Tetracycline; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 32460876
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-020-02389-7 -
The Korean Journal of Parasitology Feb 2020Balantidium coli human infection predominantly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions in the world. Human case is extremely rare in China. This report details a case... (Review)
Review
Balantidium coli human infection predominantly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions in the world. Human case is extremely rare in China. This report details a case of B. coli infection in a 68-year-old man in China, who presented with history of abdominal pain, tenesmus, diarrhea with blood and was diagnosed as B. coli-caused dysentery. Our case indicates possible occurrence of Balantidium coli-related disease in cooler climates. This case is presented not only because of its rarity but also for future references.
Topics: Aged; Balantidiasis; Balantidium; China; Climate; Dysentery; Humans; Male
PubMed: 32145726
DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.1.47