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Laboratory Techniques Used to Maintain and Differentiate Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae Clinical and Environmental Isolates
Published on: May 30, 2017
Environmental factors influencing epidemic cholera
Antarpreet Jutla1, Elizabeth Whitcombe, Nur Hasan
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. asjutla@mail.wvu.edu
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|July 31, 2013
Summary
Cholera outbreaks are linked to aquatic environments and climate. Understanding hydroclimatology aids in predicting and preventing Vibrio cholerae epidemics, especially in Asia and Latin America.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Cholera remains a significant global public health threat, as highlighted by the 2010 Haiti outbreak.
- Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, is endemic to aquatic environments, making eradication impossible.
- Hydroclimatology-based prediction and prevention offer a viable strategy for managing cholera.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unique seasonality and occurrence mechanisms of cholera in epidemic regions of Asia and Latin America.
- To analyze historical data from the 1800s to understand cholera's environmental triggers.
- To differentiate epidemic cholera's causal pathways from endemic forms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical cholera data from the 1800s.
- Correlation of outbreak occurrences with hydroclimatic factors such as air temperature and river flow.
- Examination of the role of heavy rainfall and tidal intrusion in cholera transmission.
Main Results:
- Cholera outbreaks in epidemic regions are associated with warm air temperatures and low river flows, creating favorable conditions for Vibrio cholerae growth.
- Heavy rainfall exacerbates cholera epidemics through inundation and sanitary infrastructure failure, increasing human-water contact.
- The mechanism for epidemic cholera differs from endemic cholera, which is driven by tidal intrusion of contaminated seawater.
Conclusions:
- Cholera's occurrence is strongly influenced by hydroclimatic conditions, particularly in riverine environments.
- Predictive models based on hydroclimatology can help anticipate and mitigate cholera outbreaks.
- Distinguishing between epidemic and endemic cholera mechanisms is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
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