The only ciliate to cause disease in humans is __________.

a. Naegleria
b. Balantidium
c. Fasciola
d. Trypanosoma

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the term 'ciliate' - Ciliates are a group of protozoans characterized by the presence of hair-like organelles called cilia, which they use for movement and feeding.

Step 2: Review each option to identify which organism is a ciliate: Naegleria is an amoeboflagellate, Fasciola is a trematode (fluke), Trypanosoma is a flagellate protozoan, and Balantidium is a ciliate protozoan.

Step 3: Recognize that among these, only Balantidium belongs to the ciliate group and is known to cause disease in humans, specifically balantidiasis.

Step 4: Recall that Balantidium coli is the species responsible for human infection, typically causing intestinal symptoms.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the organism classified as a ciliate and known to cause human disease, which is Balantidium.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ciliates and Their Characteristics

Ciliates are a group of protozoans characterized by hair-like structures called cilia used for movement and feeding. Most ciliates are free-living and non-pathogenic, but a few can infect humans. Understanding their morphology and life cycle helps identify which species can cause disease.

Balantidium coli as a Human Pathogen

Balantidium coli is the only ciliate known to cause disease in humans, leading to balantidiasis. It typically infects the large intestine, causing symptoms like diarrhea and dysentery. Recognizing this organism’s pathogenic role is key to answering the question.

Distinguishing Other Protozoan Pathogens

Other options like Naegleria, Fasciola, and Trypanosoma belong to different protozoan groups or helminths and cause distinct diseases. Knowing their classification and disease associations helps eliminate incorrect choices and focus on the ciliate responsible for human disease.

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