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Laboratory Techniques Used to Maintain and Differentiate Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae Clinical and Environmental Isolates
Published on: May 30, 2017
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Cholera outbreaks in Africa
Martin A Mengel1, Isabelle Delrieu, Leonard Heyerdahl
1Agence de Médecine Préventive, 164 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France, mmengel@aamp.org.
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|May 16, 2014
Summary
Cholera remains a major public health issue in Africa, causing a significant disease burden and frequent outbreaks. Addressing this requires safe water provision and understanding epidemiology for effective control.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Africa bears a significant global burden of the seventh cholera pandemic, with persistent endemicity and high case fatality rates (CFRs).
- Cholera resurgence in Africa since 1970 has led to frequent outbreaks, particularly in the central African Great Lakes region, potentially acting as a reservoir.
- Reported cases in Africa represent a substantial portion of global figures, with estimates suggesting even higher numbers due to underreporting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology and burden of cholera in Africa during the seventh pandemic.
- To identify factors contributing to cholera transmission and persistence in the region.
- To highlight the need for improved water safety, vaccination strategies, and further research for effective control.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported cholera cases and deaths from African countries to the World Health Organization (WHO) between 1970 and 2011.
- Inclusion of adjusted incidence rates from studies accounting for underreporting.
- Review of factors influencing cholera transmission, including environmental, social, and individual-level determinants.
Main Results:
- Between 1970 and 2011, African countries reported over 3.2 million suspected cholera cases (46% of global total).
- In 2011, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 86% of reported cases and 99% of deaths worldwide (excluding Haiti).
- Cholera case fatality ratios remained stable in Africa at approximately 2%, contrasting with a global decreasing trend.
Conclusions:
- Cholera continues to be a critical public health challenge in Africa, necessitating long-term solutions like safe water provision.
- Short-to-medium term interventions such as vaccination and a deeper understanding of cholera biology and epidemiology are crucial for efficient resource allocation and control.
- Factors like contaminated water, climate events, socioeconomic crises, and individual susceptibility (e.g., H. pylori infection) amplify cholera's impact in Africa.
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