What Is the First-Line Treatment of Balantidiasis?

Balantidiasis is an intestinal protozoal infection caused by Balantidium coli. This page outlines the evidence-based first-line antiparasitic approach and links to the complete structured treatment protocol.

Treatment Approach

First-line management involves antiparasitic pharmacotherapy. Among the established options, iodoquinol is one agent used in a defined treatment course — specific dosing differs between adults and children.

The full regimen — including alternative agents, dosing schedules, and sequencing — is available in the complete protocol below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1128/CMR.00021-08

Iodoquinol, for a 20-day treatment course (adult dosage, 650 mg three times a day; pediatric dosage, 40 mg kg⁻¹ dose⁻¹ in three doses), and doxycycline are alternatives.

There is some evidence that nitazoxanide (Alinia), a broad-spectrum antiparasitic and antihelminthic drug, may be another treatment for balantidiosis.

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