Questions and Answers
What is the primary habitat of Balantidium coli in humans?
Which stage of Balantidium coli is considered the invasive stage?
What is the primary food source for trophozoites of Balantidium coli?
What type of organism is Balantidium coli classified as?
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Which animal is considered the primary reservoir for human infections of Balantidium coli?
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What is the size of the trophozoite stage of Balantidium coli?
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What feature of Balantidium coli helps it propel itself forward?
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Which of the following describes the cyst stage of Balantidium coli?
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What is the main cellular response observed in cases of infection?
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Which structure is primarily used for identifying B. coli during stool examination?
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What clinical manifestation is most commonly associated with B. coli infections?
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Which extraintestinal complication can occur due to acute B. coli infection?
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What size is typical for the trophozoites of B. coli?
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What is the role of hyaluronidase produced by B. coli?
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Which type of specimen is primarily used for the diagnosis of B. coli?
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What is often observed in wet mounts of B. coli trophozoites?
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What process do trophozoites use to reproduce?
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What occurs after the micronucleus divides during the reproduction of B.coli?
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Which part does the daughter organism formed from the anterior half retain?
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What is the purpose of syngamy in the life cycle of B.coli?
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Which phase occurs while the trophozoite is transported down the intestine?
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What type of infection do most B.coli infections result in?
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What can happen if trophozoites invade the mucosa of the intestine?
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What do the ulcers produced by B.coli typically contain?
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What is the role of the contractile vacuoles in the trophozoite's cytoplasm?
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What shape is the macronucleus in the trophozoite typically described as?
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What type of food particles can B.coli ingest?
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What is the size range of the cyst of B.coli?
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In which part of the life cycle does excystation occur?
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What is the infective form of the parasite B.coli?
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What is the natural host for B.coli?
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Which method of transmission is most commonly observed for B.coli?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Balantidium coli
- Belongs to phylum Ciliophora, class Litostomatea, order Vestibuliferida, family Balantidiidae.
- Discovered in 1857 by Malmsten in feces of patients with acute dysentery.
Geographical Distribution
- Worldwide distribution with higher human infections in areas with pig farming.
- Pigs are the main animal reservoir, along with potential reservoirs like rodents and non-human primates.
Habitat
- Inhabits the large intestine of humans, monkeys, and pigs.
- Trophozoites feed on cell debris, starch, bacteria, and mucus.
Morphology
- Largest protozoal parasite in the human large intestine; has both trophozoite and cyst stages.
- Trophozoite: Oval shape (60 x 45 μm or larger), motile, invasive, found in dysenteric stool.
- Cyst: Resistant and infective form, occurs in chronic cases.
Trophozoite Structure
- Anterior end is pointed with a groove (peristome) leading to a mouth (cytostome) and gullet (cytopharynx).
- Covered by a delicate pellicle with cilia that propel it forward for movement.
- Contains two nuclei (macronucleus and micronucleus), two contractile vacuoles for osmotic pressure, and numerous food vacuoles.
Cyst Structure
- Cysts are spherical or oval (40-60 μm diameter) with a thick double-layered wall.
- Movement ceases with maturation; contains macronucleus, micronucleus, and vacuoles.
Culture
- Can be cultured in media supporting E. histolytica growth.
Life Cycle
- Life cycle occurs in two stages within a single host (mainly pigs).
- Infections transmitted via cysts in contaminated food or water (faecal-oral route).
- Excystation occurs in the small intestine, with trophozoites multiplying and encysting in the large intestine.
- Reproduction involves transverse binary fission and sexual reproduction through conjugation.
Pathogenicity
- Most infections are benign; occasional invasions result in ulcers or abscesses in the intestines.
- Ulcers are covered with pus and show clusters of parasites during microscopic examination.
- Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, tenesmus, nausea, and abdominal pain; severe cases can mimic amoebiasis.
Laboratory Diagnosis
- Diagnosis primarily via stool examination, which identifies trophozoites or cysts based on infection stage.
- Trophozoites exhibit distinct motility and large macronucleus; cysts also recognizable by size and structure.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of Balantidium coli, including its classification, discovery, geographical distribution, and habitats. It highlights the significance of animal reservoirs like pigs in the transmission of this pathogen to humans. Test your knowledge on this fascinating protozoan and its impact on human health.
