A genus of parasitic single-celled organisms (protozoans) that can infect the intestines of humans and other animals.
Modern scientific Latin name, likely combining Greek 'balanos' (acorn) with 'cidium' (a diminutive form), referring to the acorn-shaped appearance of the organism under a microscope.
Balantidium coli can live in pig intestines without causing harm, but when it infects humans, it can cause severe diarrhea and dysentery—a perfect example of how diseases jump between species depending on living conditions.
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