VIBRIO CHOLERAE

 Vibrio cholerae is a type of bacteria that causes cholera,

a severe and potentially life-threatening disease.
 Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative, comma-shaped
bacterium that is highly motile due to the presence of a
VIBRIO single polar flagellum.
CHOLERAE  Cholera is a serious public health concern, particularly
in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. It is typically
contracted by ingesting food or water contaminated with
the bacterium.
CHOLERA
BACTERIA
(VIBRIO
CHOLERAE)
 There are many strains of Vibrio cholerae, but only a few of them are
capable of causing cholera. The bacterium produces a toxin called
cholera toxin, which causes the severe symptoms of cholera, such as:

Diarrhea:
The diarrhea caused by V. cholerae is typically watery and
voluminous, often referred to as "rice-water" stool.
SYMPTOMS  Dehydration:
Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can be severe
and life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms of dehydration can
include thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, dark urine, fatigue, and
lightheadedness.
 Nausea and vomiting:
Vomiting is a common symptom of cholera, often occurring shortly
after the onset of diarrhea.
 Abdominal pain
Cholera can cause abdominal cramps and pain.
Muscle cramps:
Severe dehydration can cause muscle cramps and spasms.

Health care providers should look for signs of dehydration

when examining a patient with profuse watery diarrhea. These
include:
CONT… •rapid heart rate
•loss of skin elasticity
•dry mucous membranes
•low blood pressure

Symptoms of cholera typically appear within two to five days

of exposure to the bacteria, although some people may not
develop symptoms at all. If you suspect you may have
cholera, seek medical attention immediately. 
 The diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae infection is typically made by
a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and
epidemiological information. Here are some4 common
diagnostic methods used for Vibrio cholerae:

 Stool culture:
The gold standard for the diagnosis of cholera is the isolation of
DIAGNOSIS & Vibrio cholerae from stool specimens. Culture is usually
DETECTION performed on special media, such as thiosulfate citrate bile
sucrose (TCBS) agar, which is selective for Vibrio cholerae. A
positive culture confirms the diagnosis of cholera.

 Rapid diagnostic tests:

There are several rapid diagnostic tests available for cholera,
including dipstick tests and lateral flow assays. These tests can
detect the presence of Vibrio cholerae antigens in stool samples
within minutes.
  Serological tests:
Blood tests can detect antibodies against Vibrio
cholerae. A rise in antibody titers between acute and
convalescent serum samples can indicate recent
infection.
CONT…
 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests:
PCR can detect the presence of Vibrio cholerae DNA
in stool samples. This method can be used to confirm
the diagnosis in suspected cases of cholera.
 The treatment for cholera primarily involves fluid and
electrolyte replacement, along with the use of antibiotics
to reduce the duration and severity of the illness.

The following are the 5 treatment options for cholera:

TREATMENT Rehydration: Rehydration is the most important part of
cholera treatment. It can be done orally or intravenously,
depending on the severity of dehydration. Oral
rehydration therapy (ORT) involves drinking a solution
of clean water, salt, and sugar that helps replace lost
fluids and electrolytes. Intravenous fluid replacement
may be necessary for severe dehydration.
 Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help reduce the severity and
duration of the illness. Commonly used antibiotics include
doxycycline, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin. The choice of
antibiotic will depend on the patient's age, medical history,
and the local resistance patterns of V. cholerae.
Zinc supplements: Zinc supplements can help shorten the
duration of diarrhea and reduce the severity of cholera. It is
TREATMENT particularly useful for children.
CONT… Nutritional support: Nutritional support may be necessary
for severely malnourished patients or those with underlying
health conditions.
Supportive care: Supportive care may be necessary for
patients with severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or
other complications. This can include hospitalization and
close monitoring of vital signs.
 Preventing the spread of Vibrio cholerae involves implementing
measures that reduce the risk of contamination of food and water
sources with the bacterium. Some prevention measures include:
 Access to clean water:
Ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water is critical in
preventing cholera. It is essential to ensure that water sources are
PREVENTION protected from contamination and treated appropriately to eliminate
& CONTROL any bacteria.
 Proper sanitation:
Proper disposal of human waste and other sewage is crucial to
prevent the contamination of water sources with Vibrio cholerae.
Maintaining hygienic conditions in bathrooms, especially in areas
with high population density, is critical to reduce the spread of the
disease.
  Good food hygiene:
Proper food handling and storage are essential in preventing the
spread of Vibrio cholerae through contaminated food. Foods that are
not cooked properly or are stored in unsanitary conditions can
become contaminated with the bacterium.
 Vaccination:

Cont… Vaccination is an effective way of preventing cholera. Several

vaccines are available that offer protection against Vibrio cholerae.
 Education:
Education and awareness programs about the importance of proper
hygiene, sanitation, and water treatment can help prevent the spread
of Vibrio cholerae.
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022,
January 13). Cholera.
https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html
REFERENCES
 Colwell, R. R. (1996). Vibrios in the environment. John
Wiley & Sons.