Cholera

Cholera (gastroenteritis)

Vibrio cholera

GNR, vibrio shape, motile- single polar flagellum, produces exotoxin (cholera toxin), multiple serogroups

Animals and their water supply

Digestive tract

Fecal Oral route- contaminated drinking water

5 hours- 5 days

Bacteria colonizes the surface of the small intestine and releases cholera toxin- which causes epithelia cells to loose electrolytes and water into intestinal lumen. Watery diarrhea can cause dehydration and shock

Severe Diarrhea (up to 2L/hr), dehydration- increased thirst, decreased secretions, urine, and tears, dry mouth and tongue, restlessness and irritability, sunken eyes

Severe dehydration- lethargy or unconsciousness, very dry mouth and tongue, weak or absent pulse, LBP, minimal or no urine, skin goes back very slowly when pinched; Shock, Mortality- untreated 50%, treated less than 1%

avoid contanimatd water supplies, treat suspect water, use proper sanitation, disinfect contaminated surfaces, cook food thoroughly, vaccination

Rehydration therapy, Antibiotics- tetracycline