BALANTIDIUM MINUTUM Meaning and
Definition
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Balantidium minutum is a microscopic protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Ciliophora. It is a single-celled organism that typically resides in the large intestines of various animals, including pigs, primates, and occasionally humans. This parasite is characterized by its oval or rounded shape, measuring around 50-60 micrometers in length.
Balantidium minutum reproduces through binary fission, dividing into two identical daughter cells. It possesses a distinct ciliate covering composed of tiny hair-like projections called cilia, which enable it to move and feed. This organism obtains nourishment by extending its cilia-covered oral groove to engulf food particles, such as bacteria and other microorganisms found in the intestinal environment.
In certain cases, Balantidium minutum can cause an infection known as balantidiasis when it infects the human gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of balantidiasis may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally bloody stools. Transmission occurs primarily through the ingestion of cysts, which are dormant and resistant forms of the parasite passed in the feces of infected individuals or animals.
Treatment of balantidiasis usually involves the administration of medications, such as metronidazole or tetracycline, to eliminate the parasite. Maintaining proper hygiene, such as practicing handwashing and avoiding consumption of contaminated food or water, can help prevent the transmission of Balantidium minutum and subsequent infections.
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A species smaller than the preceding, also parasitic in the human intestine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BALANTIDIUM MINUTUM
- valantidium minutum
- nalantidium minutum
- halantidium minutum
- galantidium minutum
- bzlantidium minutum
- bslantidium minutum
- bwlantidium minutum
- bqlantidium minutum
- bakantidium minutum
- bapantidium minutum
- baoantidium minutum
- balzntidium minutum
- balsntidium minutum
- balwntidium minutum
- balqntidium minutum
- balabtidium minutum
- balamtidium minutum
- balajtidium minutum
- balahtidium minutum
- balanridium minutum
Etymology of BALANTIDIUM MINUTUM
The word "Balantidium" comes from the Greek words "balantion" meaning "bag" or "pouch", and "eidos" meaning "form" or "shape". This name depicts the shape of the organism, which is known to have a bag or pouch-like appearance.
The term "minutum" is derived from the Latin word "minutus", meaning "small" or "minute". It refers to the small size of the organism.
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