Abstract:
Balantidium infection has been discovered in many animals including orangutans. The aim of this research is to identify the
infection frequency of Balantidium sp. in Bornean orangutans in Care Center and Tanjung Puting National Park. A total of
239 samples have been collected from both areas in 2010. Laboratory analyses have been carried out utilizing a formalin
ethyl-acetate precipitation method to detect the presence of Balantidium sp. As results, Balantidium sp. was discovered in 24
(12.57%) samples from 191 samples in Care Center area and in 8 samples (16.67%) from 48 samples in Tanjung Puting
National Park. Balantidium sp. infection generally occurs when the quality of orangutans’ habitats decrease. The infection of
Balantidium sp. in both areas has indicated that the ecosystem of orangutans has deteriorated. Further research is required to
identify the sources and the patterns of infection in orangutans’ group (age and sex) and individual. What is more, molecular
characterization is necessary to identify the species of Balantidium due to its species diversity.
