Temporal-Spatial Distribution of Vibrio cholerae in Cuba: July 1997-December 2019

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, a significant global health threat, especially to children.
• Surveillance in Cuba from 1985-1997 noted non-O1/non-O139 serogroups, prompting continued monitoring for epidemic strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the temporal and spatial distribution of Vibrio cholerae serogroups and serotypes across Cuba.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzed 1060 V. cholerae isolates from passive surveillance across Cuba (1997-2019).
• Isolates were grouped by time periods and three geographical regions (western, central, eastern).
• Serotyping and outbreak context were reviewed for all specimens.

Main Results:

• Vibrio cholerae was present throughout Cuba, with the highest isolation rate between 2012-2019, predominantly from the eastern region.
• Non-O1/non-O139 serogroups were more common overall, but O1 serogroup (including Ogawa and Inaba types) emerged in 2012, causing outbreaks until 2016.
• Epidemic O1 strains were most frequent in the western region during 2012-2019.

Conclusions:

• Vibrio cholerae, primarily non-O1/non-O139, circulated widely in Cuba, causing sporadic cases and outbreaks, especially in the east.
• A shift occurred between 2012-2019, with the O1 serogroup causing epidemic outbreaks across all regions, notably in the west.