Infection with Balantidium coli is more likely to occur if certain risk factors are present.
Risk factors for infection:
(1) close contact with pigs and pig feces (farmers, abattoir workers, veterinarians, other)
(2) tropical and subtropical regions
(3) poor hygiene, especially fecally contaminated water supplies
(4) crowded and/or institutional living conditions (prisons, orphanages, asylums, etc)
(5) zookeeper or animal handlers
A patient who is malnourished or immunocompromised may have more severe disease and so may be more likely to be diagnosed.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
