Balantidium coli cysts range in size from approximately what micrometers?

Balantidium coli cysts range in size from approximately what micrometers?

• A. 43-65 um
• B. 15-25 um
• C. 30-40 um
• D. 70-90 um

Answer: (A)

Balantidium coli is a large ciliate parasite, and its cyst form is relatively big compared with other intestinal protozoa. Cysts are typically around the 50–60 micrometer range in diameter, sometimes described from roughly 50 to 70 μm. The option 43–65 μm fits this common size range best. The other ranges are generally too small or too large for Balantidium cysts. This sizable cyst is a helpful clue in identification, especially when compared with smaller protozoan cysts like Giardia (about 8–12 μm) or Entamoeba (about 10–20 μm).

Balantidium coli is a large ciliate parasite, and its cyst form is relatively big compared with other intestinal protozoa. Cysts are typically around the 50–60 micrometer range in diameter, sometimes described from roughly 50 to 70 μm. The option 43–65 μm fits this common size range best. The other ranges are generally too small or too large for Balantidium cysts. This sizable cyst is a helpful clue in identification, especially when compared with smaller protozoan cysts like Giardia (about 8–12 μm) or Entamoeba (about 10–20 μm).