Balantidium coli is a parasite that can attack the digestive tract and cause balantidiasis. This disease is rarely found in humans, because Balantidium coli more often infect pigs. Even so, you still need to be aware of the transmission.
A person can be exposed Balantidium coli when in contact with pig manure or consuming food or drink contaminated with these parasites. Not only that, poor nutritional status, a weak immune system, or certain diseases can also make a person susceptible to infection Balantidium coli.
Symptoms of Infection Balantidium coli
Most of the infected Balantidium coli have no symptoms or have only mild symptoms, such as diarrhea alternating with constipation. However, this parasite can also cause severe inflammation, followed by damage to the colon wall. This condition can cause symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach pain
- Bloody diarrhea
In people whose immune system is weak or compromised, the symptoms of infection are: Balantidium coli what might happen is:
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Halitosis
- Weight loss
In more severe cases, infection Balantidium coli can cause complications in the form of intestinal perforation which can eventually lead to inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall (peritonitis). This condition must be treated immediately because it can cause death.
Infection Treatment Balantidium coli
If the stool examination is found to be infected Balantidium coli, the doctor will give specific treatment to kill this parasite. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms while preventing complications. Some medications that your doctor may prescribe to treat infections Balantidium coli among others:
- Tetracycline
- Metronidazole
- Iodoquinol
- Nitazoxanide
Under certain conditions, surgery may also be required if the parasite Balantidium coli to cause acute appendicitis. The operation performed in this case is appendectomy.
Infection Prevention Balantidium coli
A clean lifestyle is the best step to prevent infection Balantidium coli. Some examples of clean living patterns that you can apply are:
- Wash your hands immediately with soap after touching animals or working in an environment with lots of animals, such as a zoo or farm.
- Wash your hands immediately after using the bathroom, after changing a child's diaper, and before or after preparing food.
- Use hand sanitizer or hand sanitizer if there is no water and soap to reduce parasites or germs on hands.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean water when you want to process or consume them.
- Cook the meat until it's fully cooked to prevent exposure to parasites balandtium coli contained in food.
- Drink water that has been properly boiled.
By applying the various methods above, you can avoid exposure to parasites Balantidium coli. Although this parasitic infection is rare in humans, consult a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of infection Balantidium coli to make sure.
