Which parasite is the only ciliate pathogenic for humans?

Which parasite is the only ciliate pathogenic for humans?

• A. Paramecium caudatum
• B. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
• C. Balantidium coli
• D. Vorticella microstoma

Answer: (C)

The fact tested is that among ciliates, only one is known to infect humans and cause disease. Balantidium coli is the human pathogen in this group, causing balantidiasis when cysts in contaminated water or food are ingested. It colonizes the large intestine and can produce symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to dysentery. The other ciliates listed are not human pathogens: Paramecium caudatum and Vorticella microstoma are free-living environmental organisms, and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is a parasite of fish. Hence Balantidium coli is the only ciliate capable of causing disease in humans.

The fact tested is that among ciliates, only one is known to infect humans and cause disease. Balantidium coli is the human pathogen in this group, causing balantidiasis when cysts in contaminated water or food are ingested. It colonizes the large intestine and can produce symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to dysentery. The other ciliates listed are not human pathogens: Paramecium caudatum and Vorticella microstoma are free-living environmental organisms, and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is a parasite of fish. Hence Balantidium coli is the only ciliate capable of causing disease in humans.