The cyst form also differs from the trophozoite form because it is non-motile and does not undergo reproduction. Instead, the cyst is the form that the parasite takes when it causes infection. Diagnosis
The diagnosis of balantidiasis can be an intricate process, partly because the related symptoms may or may not be present. However, the diagnosis of balantidiasis can be considered when a patient has diarrhea combined with a probable history of current exposure to pigs (since pigs are the primary reservoir), contact with infected persons, or anal intercourse. In addition, the diagnosis of balantidiasis can be made by microscopic examination of stools in search of trophozoites or cysts, or colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to obtain a biopsy from the large intestines which may provide evidence for the presence of trophozoites. Prevention
Preventative measures require effective personal and community hygiene. Some specific safeguards include the following:
Purification of drinking water. Proper handling of food. Careful disposal of human feces. Monitoring the contacts of balantidiasis patients. Treatment
Balantidiasis can be treated with tetracycline, metronidazole or iodoquinol. History
The first study to generate balantidiasis in humans was undertaken by Cassagrandi and Barnagallo in 1896. However, this experiment was not successful in creating an infection and it was unclear whether Balantidium coli was the actual parasite used. The first case of balantidiasis in the Philippines, where it is the most common, was reported in 1904. Currently, Balantidium coli is distributed worldwide but less than 1% of the human population is infected.
Voretigene neparvovec, sold under the brand name Luxturna, is a gene therapy medication for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis. It was developed by Spark Therapeutics and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. It is the first in vivo gene therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Lebers congenital amaurosis, or biallelic RPE65-mediated inherited retinal disease, is an inherited disorder causing progressive blindness. Voretigene is the first treatment available for this condition. The gene therapy is not a cure for the condition, but substantially improves vision in those treated. It is given as a subretinal injection. Voretigene neparvovec was approved for medical use in Australia in August 2020 and in Canada, in October 2020. Medical uses
Voretigene neparvovec is indicated for the treatment of people with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations and who have sufficient viable retinal cells. Chemistry and production
Voretigene neparvovec is an AAV2 vector containing human RPE65 cDNA with a modified Kozak sequence. The virus is grown in HEK 293 cells and purified for administration. History
Married researchers Jean Bennett and Albert Maguire, among others, worked for decades on studies of congenital blindness, culminating in approval of a novel therapy, Luxturna.It was granted orphan drug designation for Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa. A biologics license application was submitted to the FDA in July 2017 with Priority Review. Phase III clinical trial results were published in August 2017.