What is Microbiology - Bloody Diarrhea

​Bloody diarrhea 


Patient being infected with Balantidium coli may present with watery diarrhea containing blood and mucus. 

Balantidium coli may present in the cyst and trophozoite forms. Balantidium coli is a ciliated parasites. 

Balantidium coli can be detected via direct examination of the  stool. Cyst may present on the stool or ciliated trophozoites are present in the diarrheal form of stool. 

The common mode of transmission is via fecal oral route or ingestion of water or food contaminated with cyst.  Once ingested, the trophozoites will attach to the colon which lead to ulceration. 

The common treatment is via iodoquinol or tetracycline.