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Laboratory Techniques Used to Maintain and Differentiate Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae Clinical and Environmental Isolates
Published on: May 30, 2017
In a time of cholera
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Republic of Ireland, pierce.grace@hse.ie.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|May 31, 2013
Summary
Despite evidence for effective treatments, blood-letting was a common cholera therapy in the 1830s. This harmful practice persisted for decades, delaying the adoption of life-saving intravenous fluid therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Historical cholera treatment practices in 1832 Dublin are examined.
- Blood-letting (leeches or venesection) was a prevalent intervention for cholera patients.
- The rationale for blood-letting was to reduce cardiac and pulmonary stress.
Observation:
- Dr. Nathaniel Alcock documented 22 cholera cases treated with blood-letting in 1832.
- Townsend Street Cholera Hospital records indicate extensive use of blood-letting.
- Public health measures and various cures were implemented during the epidemic.
Findings:
- The overall cholera mortality rate in Ireland was 38%, with higher rates in some regions.
- Despite the high mortality, some physicians demonstrated the efficacy of intravenous fluids.
- These life-saving findings were disregarded, and blood-letting continued.
Implications:
- The historical account highlights the detrimental impact of ineffective medical practices.
- Delayed adoption of intravenous fluid therapy contributed to prolonged cholera mortality.
- Understanding past treatment failures informs current medical practice and research priorities.
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