Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure. [3] Cholera is caused by a number of types of Vibrio cholerae, with some types producing more severe disease than others. [2] It is spread mostly by unsafe water and unsafe food that has been contaminated with human feces containing the bacteria. [2] Undercooked shellfish is a common source. [9]
Vibrio cholerae is a species of Gram-negative, facultative anaerobe and comma-shaped bacteria. [1] The bacteria naturally live in brackish or saltwater where they attach themselves easily to the chitin-containing shells of crabs, shrimp, and other shellfish.
The study of cholera in England by John Snow, between 1849 and 1854, led to significant advances in the field of epidemiology. [ 4 ] [ 10 ] Seven large outbreaks have occurred over the last 200 years, with millions of deaths.
Cholera is transmitted primarily by drinking water or eating food [16] that has been contaminated by the cholera bacterium. The bacteria multiply in the small intestine; [17] the feces (waste product) of an infected person, including one with no apparent symptoms, can pass on the disease if it contacts the water supply by any means. [17]
In contrast, children whose food is restricted have diarrhea of longer duration and recover intestinal function more slowly. The WHO states "Food should never be withheld and the child's usual foods should not be diluted. Breastfeeding should always be continued." [20] In the specific example of cholera, the CDC makes the same recommendation. [98]
Candida albicans infection; Candida parapsilosis infection; Cytomegalovirus infection; diphtheria; human coronavirus infection; respiratory distress syndrome; measles; meconium aspiration syndrome
The oral cholera vaccine, while effective for prevention of cholera, is of questionable use for prevention of TD. [6] A 2008 review found tentative evidence of benefit. [ 31 ] A 2015 review stated it may be reasonable for those at high risk of complications from TD. [ 3 ]
Cholera toxin mechanism. Cholera toxin (also known as choleragen and sometimes abbreviated to CTX, Ctx or CT) is an AB5 multimeric protein complex secreted by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. [1] [2] CTX is responsible for the massive, watery diarrhea characteristic of cholera infection. [3] It is a member of the heat-labile enterotoxin family.