Treatment of Balantidiasis
Balantidium coli infection can be treated effectively with
antibiotics. Three drugs are commonly
used and administered orally. They are
listed below in order of recommendation.
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(1) Tetracyclines |
500 mg four times daily
for 10 days (Contraindicated in
pregnant women and children younger than 8 years of age) |
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(2) Metronidazole |
750 mg three times daily
for 5 days |
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(3) Iodoquinol |
640 mg three times daily
for 20 days |
Note: these drugs are
approved by the FDA but are considered investigational for the treatment of
Balantidiasis.
Most cases of Balantidium
coli infection are asymptomatic. If
possible, asymptomatic individuals should still be treated in order to halt
further transmission of the disease.
Many people clear the
infection spontaneously without treatment.
Infected individuals usually respond well to treatment using one of the
aforementioned regimens.
If left untreated,
Balantidiasis can become chronic.
Persistent diarrhea can lead to high fluid loss and dehydration. Abdominal bleeding can lead to death.
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