BALANTIDIASIS: A RARE INCIDENTAL FINDING IN THE URINE OF ELDERLY FEMALE WITH ARF- A CASE REPORT

Dr. Mayuri V. Thaker and *Dr. Mayuri R. Gohil

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Balantidium coli (B.coli) is the largest and only ciliated protozoan producing disease in human. Most infections are asymptomatic or producing symptoms related to GIT, lung, urinary bladder, bone. Main stay of diagnosis is identification of morphology of the trophozoits and cysts. Case Report: A midstream urine of 50 year old female, with acute renal failure and septicaemia, was sent for routine urine examination. Physical finding showed mild turbidity only; Microscopy showed no other significant findings except plenty of yeast budding and parasites with rapid spiral motility. Parasite was ciliated oval shaped and showed ingested material, suggestive of morphology of tropozoits of B.coli. Fixed cytosmear, stained with H&E & Pap stain also showed cysts of B.coli. Repeat urine sample showed only cysts of B.coli. Discussion: B.coli is transmitted by feco-oral route or from other direct contact with pig/rat excreta. Presence of B.coli in urine may be due to retrograde infection of bladder itself or contamination with stool. In present case, source of infection may be contaminated meat ingestion. Patient’s low socio economic status, poor situation, malnutrition, low immunity are contributory factors. Conclusion: Rare incidental finding of B.coli in Urine.

Keywords: Balantidium coli, Protozoa, Trophozoites.