article · BMC Infectious Diseases
Human infection with Balantidium coli was investigated among pig farmers and their household members in two communities within the Ga West Municipality of Ghana. Diagnostic analysis identified forty-three infected individuals, with over twenty percent presenting co-infections with other parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, or Schistosoma mansoni. Those infected exhibited mild to moderate anaemia, elevated white blood cell counts, and decreased levels of platelets, albumin, and key electrolytes including sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Poor agricultural measures, such as free-range rearing, improper disposal of pig faeces, and the lack of dedicated protective clothing, were strongly associated with transmission. Furthermore, frequent diarrhoea accompanied by occult blood served as strong clinical indicators of infection. These findings demonstrate that human balantidiosis is endemic in the area, highlighting the necessity of targeted screening and prompt clinical treatment for exposed populations.
Balantidiosis causes notable systemic health complications, including anaemia and electrolyte imbalances, yet surveillance remains limited in vulnerable agricultural settings. Identifying specific farming practices that drive transmission enables healthcare providers and agricultural extension officers to target hygiene interventions effectively. Recognising symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea also helps rural clinics screen, diagnose, and treat the parasitic infection earlier, reducing severe clinical consequences for farming communities.
The abstract outlines early-stage epidemiological and clinical observations rather than a commercial technology. The findings could inform clinical screening protocols or the design of rapid diagnostic tests tailored for rural healthcare centres near livestock operations. Diagnostic developers and veterinary public health bodies are the apparent user base, though practical applications remain at an early concept stage requiring technological development and field validation.
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BACKGROUND: In Ghana, Balantidium coli (B. coli) has been identified in vegetables and in pigs, although there is a paucity of data regarding human balantidiosis. This study sought to assess human B. coli infection in Ghana, factors associated with the infection as well as its association with haematological and biochemical parameters. METHODS: Two pig rearing communities in the Ga West Municipality, Ghana, were involved in this study. Stool and blood samples were collected from pig farmers and their exposed household members as well as relevant information on potential associated factors. Eosin-saline wet preparation was done on the same day of stool samples were collected while formol ether concentration technique was performed later. Haematological, biochemical parameters and serum electrolytes were determined using Celltac MEK-6500 K, PKL-125 biochemical analyser, and FT-320 electrolyte analyser, respectively. RESULTS: = 17.8, p = 0.000025). Of the 43 infected individuals, 20.9 % were co-infected with either Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, or Schistosoma mansoni. In B. coli infection, mild to moderate anaemia together with a reduction in levels of platelet, albumin and, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions were observed. However, white blood cells were significantly elevated in infected states. Poor farming practices such as free-range systems, improper disposal of pig faeces, lack of use of protective farming clothing, and unavailability of dedicated farming clothing were found to be associated with B. coli infection status. Finally, frequent diarrhea (OR = 12.30, p = 0.006) with occult blood (OR = 25.94, p < 0.0001) were found to be predictors of B. coli infection. CONCLUSIONS: Human balantidiosis is endemic in Ga West Municipality, Ghana. Individuals living closed to pig rearing communities presenting with frequent diarrhea with occult blood in stool should be screened and treated for balantidiosis to mitigate the clinical consequences of the infection.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06731-2
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