ABSTRACT:

Balantidiasis is caused by a protozoan parasite Balantidium coli. This is the only ciliate that has been discovered to infect humans and is most specifically associated with dysentery and general gastrointestinal disruption. Understanding its pathophysiology is important and larger applications for public health, especially in regions where sanitation is less than optimal. Knowledge on its management and epidemiology is very important in areas that have substandard sanitation and hygiene practices. This paper synthesizes the existing findings on the pathophysiology of balantidiasis, highlights the gaps in knowledge, and suggests future research directions. This paper also synthesizes existing research findings on the prevention and treatment of balantidiasis, highlights the gaps in knowledge, and suggests future research directions. To conclude, Balantidiasis reveals a complicated interplay between the pathogenic mechanisms of B. coli and the immune response of the host. Although much effort has been put into understanding its pathophysiology, more research is still called for to consider the existing gaps of knowledge. Future studies should focus on molecular interactions, gut microbiota, and socio-economic factors to open better ways for the effective prevention and treatment strategies against balantidiasis. How to manage and the epidemiology of Balantidiasis A multidisciplinary approach reflecting emergent knowledge across related fields of study is necessary. Only with further research in this area could gaps in knowledge regarding its pathogenic mechanisms and epidemiology be revealed. Such areas should be prioritized in future research so as to build up our capacity for understanding and controlling balantidiasis and thus improving the health outcomes of populations at risk.

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