The Jeopardy of Cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. There are more than 60 cholera bacteria; however, current outbreaks in Africa are generally caused by El Tor bio­type of Vibrio cholerae serogroup 01. The serotype of El Tor biotype prevalent in Africa is Inaba. Vibrio cholerae 0139 serovar is the major causative agent of epidemics in Asia.

It causes cholera infection that is the result of a potent toxin, called CTX which is produced in small intestine. Cholera works by attacking cell membranes, changing the balance of water and dissolved particles inside and outside the cell. Investigators found that when someone has the disease cholera, Vibrio cholera sticks to the walls of the intestines and makes many tiny holes, or pores, through the cell membranes of the cells of the intestinal walls. Since all cells have water, the cells lost water through its pores. It interferes with the normal flow of sodium and chloride.