What is the cause of cholera, a disease caused by Vibrio (Vibrio) cholerae?

From the Guidelines

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which infects the small intestine and releases a toxin that causes the body to secrete large amounts of water, leading to severe diarrhea and rapid dehydration. The disease is primarily spread through contaminated water and food, especially in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate water treatment 1. When a person consumes food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria thrive in the warm, brackish waters and can survive on foods like seafood, fruits, and vegetables that have been washed or prepared with contaminated water.

Some key points to consider about cholera include:

• The bacterium is usually spread through the fecal-oral route, where food or water contaminated with the bacteria is ingested 2
• The symptoms of cholera include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure in severe cases 2
• Prevention focuses on access to clean water, proper sanitation, and food safety practices
• During outbreaks, oral cholera vaccines may be recommended as an additional preventive measure, though the primary treatment remains prompt rehydration therapy to replace lost fluids and electrolytes 1

It's worth noting that while antibiotics can be used to treat cholera, their use is not always recommended due to the risk of antibiotic resistance 3. Instead, treatment often focuses on rehydration therapy, which can be done orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the disease 4. Overall, the key to preventing and treating cholera is to focus on improving sanitation, accessing clean water, and providing prompt medical treatment when necessary.

From the Research

Cause of Cholera

• Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is transmitted fecally-orally via contaminated food or water 5, 6, 7, 8.
• The disease is characterized by massive acute diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, and can be fatal if left untreated 6, 9.

Transmission of Cholera

• Cholera can be transmitted through:
  • Contaminated water 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Contaminated food, including:
    • Seafood (e.g. fish, shellfish, crabs, oysters, clams) 6, 7
    • Fruits and vegetables 6, 7
    • Meat and dairy products 6
  • Contact with cholera cases and transmission from contaminated environmental point sources 8

Factors that Contribute to the Survival of Vibrio Cholerae

• High-moisture content, neutral or alkaline pH, low temperature, high-organic content, and absence of other competing bacteria can support the survival and growth of Vibrio cholerae 6, 7.
• Refrigeration, freezing, alkaline pH, high concentration of carbohydrate, humidity, and absence of competing flora can also enhance the survival of Vibrio cholerae in food 7.
• Survival of Vibrio cholerae is shorter in food with acidic pH 7.