Bacterial diseases

Not all bacteria are pathogens which cause disease. Many bacteria, like those found in the
intestines, are useful. All bacteria are prokaryotes, and do not have a nucleus. Unlike viruses,
bacteria are cells and so are larger but cannot be seen without a microscope.

Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection often transmitted in dirty water or contaminated food. The
symptoms of infected people include:

 diarrhoea
 vomiting
 stomach cramps
Having diarrhoea and vomiting mean infected people quickly become dehydrated and can go
into shock

A vaccine prevents cholera infection. If infected, treatment involves taking oral rehydration
solutions to prevent dehydration and shock. The solutions have salts and glucose in them to help
replace those lost in diarrhoea and vomiting. Antibiotics are also used.

Cholera bateria