నైరూప్య

Acute Fulminating Form of Balantidium coli Infection in Buffaloes

Sivajothi S

Balantidium coli are a ciliate protozoan and it is frequently found in the intestinal tract of the different animals including humans. Acute fulminating form of Balantidium coli infection was noticed in a dairy farm. Clinical examination of the infected buffaloes showed elevated rectal temperature, increased heart rate, congested mucus membranes, arched back appearance with severe straining while defecation, sunken eye balls and dysentery. Foul smell dung, mixed with blood streaks and mucosal shedding was noticed. Microscopic examination of the dung revealed numerous motile ciliated trophozoites of Balantidium coli. Buffaloes were treated with intravenous rehydration, metronidazole and oxytetracyclin