BALANTIDIUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Balantidium is a genus of microscopic ciliate protozoan parasites that belong to the phylum Ciliophora. It is characterized by its oval or pear-shaped body, which ranges from 75 to 120 micrometers in length, and possesses a large macronucleus and a smaller micronucleus. Balantidium primarily inhabits the large intestines of mammals, including humans.
This parasitic microorganism is known to cause an intestinal infection called balantidiasis, which occurs mainly in tropical or subtropical regions. The transmission of Balantidium is fecal-oral, often through contaminated food or water sources. Once ingested, the cyst form of the organism excysts in the small intestine and develops into the trophozoite form, which then migrates to the large intestine to reproduce.
Symptoms of balantidiasis may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dysentery-like symptoms, such as bloody or mucus-filled stools. In some cases, the infection can progress to more severe complications, such as colitis or peritonitis. Diagnosis typically involves microscopic examination of a stool sample to identify the presence of active Balantidium trophozoites.
The treatment for balantidiasis often involves the use of specific antimicrobial medications, such as metronidazole or tetracycline, to eliminate the parasites. Preventive measures, such as maintaining good hygiene practices and ensuring the consumption of safe and clean water and food, are crucial in the prevention of Balantidium infection.
-
A genus of ciliated Infusoria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BALANTIDIUM
- valantidium
- nalantidium
- halantidium
- galantidium
- bzlantidium
- bslantidium
- bwlantidium
- bqlantidium
- bakantidium
- bapantidium
- baoantidium
- balzntidium
- balsntidium
- balwntidium
- balqntidium
- balabtidium
- balamtidium
- balajtidium
- balahtidium
- balanridium
Etymology of BALANTIDIUM
The word "Balantidium" derives from the Greek term "balantidion", which means "little pouch" or "bag". It refers to the shape of the organism, which resembles a small bag or pocket. The suffix "-ium" is commonly used in biology to indicate that it is a genus name.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
