Balantidium coli lives in the intestinal tract of:

Explanation

Swine are the primary reservoir hosts of Balantidium coli. Humans can also be reservoirs, and other potential animal hosts include non-human primates. Balantidium coli is a normal inhabitant of the cecum and colon of non-human primates and pigs.Mode of Transmission:Balantidium coli is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Humans can become infected by eating and drinking contaminated food and water that has come into contact with infective animal or human fecal matter.Signs and Symptoms:Balantidium coli infects the large intestine in humans and produces infective microscopic cysts that are passed in the feces, potentially leading to re-infection or infection of others. Immune-compromised people are the most likely to experience more severe signs and symptoms. These include persistent diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, perforation of the colon can occur.