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Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Laboratory Techniques Used to Maintain and Differentiate Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae Clinical and Environmental Isolates
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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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Imported Cholera Cases, South Africa, 2023

Anthony M Smith, Phuti Sekwadi, Linda K Erasmus

    Emerging Infectious Diseases
    |June 23, 2023
    PubMed

    Insights

    Malawi faced a severe cholera outbreak starting in February 2022. Genetic analysis of six cases in South Africa revealed a new cholera introduction into Africa from South Asia, specifically Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Microbiology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Malawi has experienced a significant cholera outbreak since February 2022, exceeding 54,000 cases.
    • Cholera outbreaks pose a substantial public health threat, necessitating rapid identification of sources and transmission routes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the genetic characteristics of cholera cases in South Africa linked to the Malawi outbreak.
    • To determine the origin and lineage of Vibrio cholerae isolates associated with the current epidemic.

    Main Methods:

    • Genomic sequencing of Vibrio cholerae isolates from six cholera cases in South Africa.
    • Phylogenetic analysis to determine the lineage and relationship to known cholera strains.
    • Comparison with global Vibrio cholerae databases.

    Main Results:

    • All investigated isolates were identified as Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa.
    • The isolates belonged to the seventh pandemic El Tor sublineage AFR15.
    • Genetic data indicated a new introduction event of cholera into Africa from South Asia.

    Conclusions:

    • The cholera cases in South Africa represent a new introduction into the continent, distinct from previous strains.
    • The findings highlight the ongoing threat of cholera importation and the importance of molecular surveillance.
    • Understanding the genetic lineage (AFR15) is crucial for tracking cholera's spread and informing control strategies.
    Keywords:
    MalawiSouth AfricaVibrio choleraeVibrio cholerae serogroup O1bacteriacholeraenteric infectionssequence type 69

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