Parasitology Training Manual

Balantidium coli

• Abbreviation: Bc
• Size cyst: 40 - 65 microns
• Size trophozoites: 50 - 100 microns
• Cyst and trophozoite form with characteristic micro and macro nucleus.
• Pathogenic ciliate causing balantidiasis.
• Mild infections occur with diarrhea, abdominal pain and alternating periods of constipation.
• A dysenteric form has much the same symptoms but with up to 20 stools per day, including blood and mucus.
• The fulminant form presents itself with colonization of the bowel causing perforation.
• See L.P.T.P. Survey 9504 and 9705.

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David M. Raymondo
MLT, CLS(m)
Professional Affiliation: Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Gamma-Dynacare is a Division of the Dynacare Health Group