Balantidiasis is an infectious disease caused by the ciliated protozoan Balantidium coli, a single-celled organism. While Balantidium coli is present across the globe, it is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical climates. As a prominent company, we are focus on developing vaccines and therapies for balantidiasis, providing high-quality services to support your research.
Overview of Balantidiasis
Balantidiasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Balantidium coli, the largest protozoan affecting humans. The disease predominantly affects populations in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly those with close contact with pigs, the primary reservoir. The global incidence of balantidiasis is relatively low, but sporadic cases have been reported in countries like the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, where prevalence can reach up to 30% in at-risk populations.
Fig.1 Global distribution of potentially infected individuals with Balantidium coli. (Ponce-Gordo, F., and J. J. Garcia-Rodriguez., 2021)
Pathogenesis of Balantidiasis
The pathogenesis of balantidiasis begins with the ingestion of Balantidium coli cysts, typically through contaminated food or water. Once in the host's intestines, the cysts excyst into trophozoites, which invade the mucosal lining, causing ulcerations and inflammation, particularly in the colon. The infection can lead to severe complications such as colitis, perforation, and even peritonitis in severe cases. Recent studies suggest that the parasite's ability to produce proteolytic enzymes and toxins plays a key role in tissue destruction and disease progression.
Fig.2 The morphology of Balantidium coli. (da Silva, R. K. M., et al., 2021)
Recent Advances in ELISA Kits for Balantidiasis
ELISA kits have been developed to detect either specific antibodies (e.g., IgG, IgM) produced by the host against Balantidium coli or antigens released by the parasite in feces.
Antibody Detection
New ELISA kits have been developed for detecting specific antibodies (e.g., IgA, IgM, or IgG) in the serum of infected individuals. These kits are primarily used for chronic infection screening and epidemiological studies.
Antigen Detection
ELISA kits targeting antigens in fecal samples are in the clinical testing phase. These kits detect antigens secreted or shed by the parasite, enabling earlier diagnosis during the infection's acute phase.
Vaccine Development for Balantidiasis
Subunit vaccines, which use specific antigens from the parasite to elicit an immune response, are being explored for protozoan infections. If successful antigens can be identified for Balantidium coli, this approach could be a promising avenue for preventing the disease in high-risk populations.
Another potential strategy is the use of live-attenuated strains of the parasite that stimulate the immune system without causing disease. This approach has been successful in other protozoan infections but would require extensive safety testing in the context of balantidiasis.
Our Services
At our company, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services to support our clients in the development of innovative balantidiasis vaccines and therapies. Our team of seasoned scientists, immunologists, and pharmacologists leverages state-of-the-art technologies and deep domain expertise to accelerate the progress of your projects.
Animal Models of Balantidiasis
Drawing on our extensive expertise, we develop and employ animal models that accurately replicate the disease characteristics and therapeutic responses of balantidiasis. These models are crucial for precisely studying the pathophysiology of balantidiasis and for rigorously evaluating the safety and efficacy of potential therapies.
| Pathogen Infection Models |
| These models involve infecting specific animal species with Balantidium coli to study disease mechanisms, host immune responses, and evaluate potential therapeutics. |
| Optional Models |
- Balantidium coli-Infected Pig Model
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- Balantidium coli-Infected Rat Model
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| Humanized Models |
| Humanized models are engineered to express human tissues or immune components, providing a more accurate representation of human disease conditions and immune responses in balantidiasis. |
| Optional Models |
- Human Intestinal Xenograft Mouse Model with Balantidium coli Infection
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- Humanized Immune System Mouse Model Infected with Balantidium coli Antigens
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| Optional Species |
Mice, Rats, Non-human primates, Others |
In balantidiasis therapy development, our team focuses on discovering and characterizing new antimicrobial agents, such as small molecules, peptides, and biologics, that target virulence factors. We also offer services to support the evaluation, optimization, and advancement of your therapeutic pipeline.
If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.
References
- Ponce-Gordo, F., and J. J. Garcia-Rodriguez. "Balantioides Coli." Res Vet Sci 135 (2021): 424-31.
- da Silva, R. K. M., et al. "Balantidiasis in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Acta Trop 223 (2021): 106069.
- Shrestha, S., and P. Khadka. "Neglected Case of Human Balantidiasis: Presumed as Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea." Case Rep Infect Dis 2022 (2022): 6013151.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
