title: Necrotizing lung infection caused by the protozoan Balantidium coli.
abstract: Balantidium coli, a ciliated protozoan, is well known to cause intestinal infection in humans. Extraintestinal spread to the peritoneal cavity and genitourinary tract has rarely been reported. There have also been a few cases of lung involvement from this parasite. A case of B coli causing a thick-walled right upper lobe cavity in an organic farmer who had contact with aerosolized pig manure is reported. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid examined for ova and parasite revealed trophozoites of B coli in large numbers. Treatment with doxycycline hyclate led to marked improvement. Necrotizing lung infection caused by the protozoan B coli should be considered in individuals who report contact with pigs.
authors.affiliation: Respirology Department of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
authors.forename: Sat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Godfrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harding