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Cholera in its present day scenario.

S C Sanyal1

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ibn Sina & Al-Razi Hospitals and Consultant Microbiologist to the Specialised Hospitals, POB 25427, Safat 13115, Kuwait.

Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|January 6, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Cholera, endemic to the Gangetic delta, involves Vibrio cholerae strains. Environmental factors and a free-living cycle in brackish water influence its spread and outbreaks.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Cholera has a long history, with the Gangetic delta recognized as its origin.
  • Vibrio cholerae non-O1 strains are taxonomically distinct from O1 strains, yet both can cause cholera-like illnesses.
  • While humans are a reservoir for V. cholerae O1, the bacterium also has a free-living environmental cycle, particularly in brackish water.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the ecological and epidemiological aspects of cholera, focusing on Vibrio cholerae.
  • To understand the environmental survival and behavior of Vibrio cholerae, including its non-culturable states.
  • To investigate the factors contributing to cholera outbreaks, such as seasonality and plankton blooms.

Main Methods:

  • Taxonomic separation of Vibrio cholerae strains (O1 and non-O1).
  • Investigation of Vibrio cholerae survival in different water types (brackish vs. fresh).
  • Observation of Vibrio cholerae conversion to a viable but non-culturable state.
  • Analysis of Vibrio cholerae growth on chitin-containing media.
  • Correlation of outbreaks with environmental factors like sea-surface temperature and plankton blooms.

Main Results:

  • Vibrio cholerae exhibits a free-living cycle, thriving in brackish water.
  • The bacterium can enter a viable but non-culturable state, reducing in size and ceasing growth on standard media.
  • Chitin serves as a sole carbon source for all Vibrio cholerae biotypes.
  • Cholera outbreaks are linked to plankton blooms and warmer sea-surface temperatures.
  • Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor remains globally prevalent, with V. cholerae O139 Bengal emerging in Asia.

Conclusions:

  • The seasonality, starvation response, and dormancy of Vibrio cholerae suggest an origin as an estuarine dweller.
  • Environmental factors significantly influence the ecology and epidemiology of cholera.
  • Understanding the environmental dynamics of Vibrio cholerae is crucial for predicting and controlling outbreaks.

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