CHOLERA
,• Definition
• Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that can, in a
matter of hours, result in profound, rapidly
progressive dehydration and death.
• Aetiology
• Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae is a curved
gram-negative bacillus that belongs to the family
Vibrionaceae and shares common characteristics
with the family Enterobacteriaceae.
• Three strains of V.cholerae have been identified: V.
cholerae O1, non-O1 V.cholera and 0139 strains
• V. cholerae O1 can be classified into two biotypes;
classic and El Tor, according to specific phenotypic
characteristics.
, EPIDEMIOLOGY
• The natural habitat of V. cholerae is coastal salt
water and brackish swamps. From its aquatic
environment, V. cholerae is introduced to
humans incidentally but, once infected, humans
can act as vehicles for spread.
• Cholera has ability to cause epidemics,
pandemics and has potential to remain endemic
in all affected areas.
• People of all ages are at risk to contract the
infection in epidemic settings, whereas children
older than 2 years are mainly affected in
endemic areas.
,• Definition
• Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that can, in a
matter of hours, result in profound, rapidly
progressive dehydration and death.
• Aetiology
• Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae is a curved
gram-negative bacillus that belongs to the family
Vibrionaceae and shares common characteristics
with the family Enterobacteriaceae.
• Three strains of V.cholerae have been identified: V.
cholerae O1, non-O1 V.cholera and 0139 strains
• V. cholerae O1 can be classified into two biotypes;
classic and El Tor, according to specific phenotypic
characteristics.
, EPIDEMIOLOGY
• The natural habitat of V. cholerae is coastal salt
water and brackish swamps. From its aquatic
environment, V. cholerae is introduced to
humans incidentally but, once infected, humans
can act as vehicles for spread.
• Cholera has ability to cause epidemics,
pandemics and has potential to remain endemic
in all affected areas.
• People of all ages are at risk to contract the
infection in epidemic settings, whereas children
older than 2 years are mainly affected in
endemic areas.
