Which is the largest intestinal protozoan to infect humans?

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Multiple Choice

Which is the largest intestinal protozoan to infect humans?

Size is the clue. Among intestinal protozoa that infect humans, Balantidium coli is the largest. Its trophozoites are typically about 50–100 micrometers long (and cysts are also quite large), which dwarfs the other common intestinal protozoa. In comparison, Giardia lamblia trophozoites run around 9–21 micrometers, Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites about 12–60 micrometers, and Dientamoeba fragilis is roughly 5–15 micrometers. Balantidium coli is a ciliate, notable for its large size and cilia covering the surface, making it the biggest intestinal protozoan to infect humans.

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