Necrotizing Lung Infection Caused by the Protozoan Balantidium coli
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Date
2003-1-1
Authors
Sharma, Sat
Harding, Godfrey
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Abstract
Balantidium coli, a ciliated protozoan, is well known to cause intestinal infection in humans. Extraintestinal spread to the peritoneal cavity and genitourinary tract has rarely been reported. There have also been a few cases of lung involvement from this parasite. A case of B coli causing a thick-walled right upper lobe cavity in an organic farmer who had contact with aerosolized pig manure is reported. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid examined for ova and parasite revealed trophozoites of B coli in large numbers. Treatment with doxycycline hyclate led to marked improvement. Necrotizing lung infection caused by the protozoan B coli should be considered in individuals who report contact with pigs.
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Sat Sharma and Godfrey Harding, “Necrotizing Lung Infection Caused by the Protozoan Balantidium coli,” Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 163-166, 2003. doi:10.1155/2003/829860