Balantidium coli

Ponce-Gordo, Francisco; Jirků-Pomajbíková, Kateřina

doi:10.14321/waterpathogens.30

Cited by 11 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 51 publications

(101 reference statements)

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“…Regarding its taxonomy, although it was nominated, based on morphological differences, that isolates from pigs ( Balantidium suis ) were different species [ 23 ], genetic analysis of isolates from gorillas, humans, and pigs elucidated that only one species infects warm-blooded animals [ 24 ]. Pigs, along with wild boars, remain the main reservoirs of this cosmopolitan protozoon, which attracts interest due to its zoonotic implication [ 25 ]. Transmission from pigs to humans has been documented [ 12 , 13 ] and people working in proximity to pigs have a higher risk of acquiring balantidiosis [ 26 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Transmission from pigs to humans has been documented [ 12 , 13 ] and people working in proximity to pigs have a higher risk of acquiring balantidiosis [ 26 ]. In humans, these ciliates are opportunistic parasites and in immunocompromised individuals the disease may be severe [ 25 ], while in pigs they normally are non-pathogenic [ 26 ]. In some cases, B. coli has been previously implicated as an underlying factor of swine colitis, although this role has not been fully clarified [ 4 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasite Infections in Greek Swine Farrow-To-Finish Farms

et al. 2020

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Intestinal parasites, helminths, and protozoa challenge health and welfare of pigs and deteriorate the sustainability of swine farms leading to monetary losses. A multicentric survey was conducted for approximately one year. Overall, 1150 fecal samples were collected from eight intensive farms in Greece at regular intervals and examined by flotation and Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Age, season, and time of last recorded antiparasitic treatment were assessed as possible risk factors using binary regression models. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitism in pigs was 44.7%. The most frequently detected parasites in the studied population were the protozoa Balantidium coli (37.8%), followed by Entamoeba spp. (8.3%), Cystoisospora suis (6.0%), and the nematodes Ascaris suum (3.7%), Trichuris suis (2.5%), and Oesophagostomum spp. (1.4%). Distribution of intestinal parasites in different age groups was as expected. In autumn, the prevalence of Balantidium coli infection enhanced whereas the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. and Cystoisospora suis infections increased in spring. Time of last recorded antiparasitic treatment influenced Balantidium coli and Trichuris suis infection levels. Our results demonstrated that swine intestinal parasitism in intensive farms of Greece seems to be relatively common and highlighted the importance of proper laboratory examinations, as well as the need for tailored made control programs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasite Infections in Greek Swine Farrow-To-Finish Farms

et al. 2020

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“…Balantioides coli is commonly found in both pigs and wild boar (with prevalences ranging up to 100% in domestic pigs, and up to 70% in wild boar; Ponce-Gordo and Jirků-Pomajbíková 2018). Soon after the first description of this parasite, the epidemiological importance of pigs for human infections was noted.…”

Section: Which Enteric Protozoan Pathogens Are Zoonotic and What Are mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Soon after the first description of this parasite, the epidemiological importance of pigs for human infections was noted. Pigs are considered the main reservoir and people living in close contact with them are at greatest risk of becoming infected with this parasite (Ponce-Gordo and Jirků-Pomajbíková, 2018). The epidemiological importance of wild boar is unknown; however, when infected animals congregate in the catchment area of public drinking water sources, then the risk of transmission of their parasites to humans via contaminated water is likely to increase (Hampton et al, 2006).…”

Section: Which Enteric Protozoan Pathogens Are Zoonotic and What Are mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Transmission to humans via contamination of the environment is also likely to be associated with the apparently recent and increasing tendency for wild boar to invade urban areas, mainly searching for feed (Cahill et al, 2012). In Muslim countries, where pig farming is forbidden, wild boar are considered the main reservoirs of B. coli by some authors, but others consider other domestic mammals (camels, donkeys, sheep and goats) as the reservoirs of greatest importance to human health (Ponce-Gordo and Jirků-Pomajbíková, 2018). If parasite identification in human infections is based only on trophozoite and/or cyst morphology, it is not possible to identify the origin of the infections, and thus the most likely transmission routes remain unknown.…”

Section: Which Enteric Protozoan Pathogens Are Zoonotic and What Are mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Are molecular tools clarifying or confusing our understanding of the public health threat from zoonotic enteric protozoa in wildlife?

Robertson

Clark

Debenham

et al. 2019

International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife

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Emerging infectious diseases are frequently zoonotic, often originating in wildlife, but enteric protozoa are considered relatively minor contributors. Opinions regarding whether pathogenic enteric protozoa may be transmitted between wildlife and humans have been shaped by our investigation tools, and have led to oscillations regarding whether particular species are zoonotic or have host-adapted life cycles. When the only approach for identifying enteric protozoa was morphology, it was assumed that many enteric protozoa colonized multiple hosts and were probably zoonotic. When molecular tools revealed genetic differences in morphologically identical species colonizing humans and other animals, host specificity seemed more likely. Parasites from animals found to be genetically identical - at the few genes investigated - to morphologically indistinguishable parasites from human hosts, were described as having zoonotic potential. More discriminatory molecular tools have now sub-divided some protozoa again. Meanwhile, some infection events indicate that, circumstances permitting, some “host-specific” protozoa, can actually infect various hosts. These repeated changes in our understanding are linked intrinsically to the investigative tools available. Here we review how molecular tools have assisted, or sometimes confused, our understanding of the public health threat from nine enteric protozoa and example wildlife hosts ( Balantoides coli - wild boar; Blastocystis sp. - wild rodents; Cryptosporidium spp. - wild fish; Encephalitozoon spp. - wild birds; Entamoeba spp. - non-human primates; Enterocytozoon bieneusi - wild cervids; Giardia duodenalis - red foxes; Sarcocystis nesbitti - snakes; Toxoplasma gondii - bobcats). Molecular tools have provided evidence that some enteric protozoa in wildlife may infect humans, but due to limited discriminatory power, often only the zoonotic potential of the parasite is indicated. Molecular analyses, which should be as discriminatory as possible, are one, but not the only, component of the toolbox for investigating potential public health impacts from pathogenic enteric protozoa in wildlife.

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Cyst detection and viability assessment of Balantioides coli in environmental samples: Current status and future needs

García-Rodríguez

Köster

Ponce-Gordo

2022

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

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The ciliate Balantioides coli is a human enteric parasite that can cause life-threatening infections. It is a food- and waterborne parasite, with cysts being the infective stage. Despite its importance as a potential pathogen, few reports have investigated its presence in environmental samples, and some issues need attention including i) The accuracy of B. coli identification. In most cases, the protozoa is identified only by its morphological traits, which can be identical to those from other parasitic ciliates of animals. Genetic analysis of cysts recovered from environmental samples is necessary for species confirmation. In addition, genetic methods used with faecal samples need to be adequately validated with environmental matrices. ii) The methodology for searching this parasite in environmental samples. The protocols include an initial phase to isolate the cysts from the matrix followed by a second phase in which concentration procedures are usually applied. The methods may be valid but are not standardised and differences between studies could affect the results obtained. iii) The areas that needs further research. The development of genetic identification methods and standardised analytical protocols in environmental samples are required, as well as the assessment of viability and infectivity of B. coli cysts. The development of axenic culture systems will boost research on this parasite.

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Balantidium coli

Cited by 11 publications

References 51 publications

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasite Infections in Greek Swine Farrow-To-Finish Farms

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasite Infections in Greek Swine Farrow-To-Finish Farms

Are molecular tools clarifying or confusing our understanding of the public health threat from zoonotic enteric protozoa in wildlife?

Cyst detection and viability assessment of Balantioides coli in environmental samples: Current status and future needs

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