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Vibrio cholerae Bacteremia: An Enigma in Cholera-Endemic African Countries

Foster K Agyei1,2, Birgit Scharf2, Samuel Duodu1,3

  • 1West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra LG54, Ghana.

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
|May 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) causes bloodstream infections, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding NOVC bacteremia risk factors, pathogenesis, and diagnostics is crucial for clinical implications.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to over 100,000 global deaths annually.
  • Vibrio cholerae can invade intestinal layers and enter the bloodstream.
  • Non-toxigenic V. cholerae (NOVC) strains are identified as the primary cause of V. cholerae bacteremia, distinct from epidemic cholera strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) bacteremia.
  • To highlight host risk factors, pathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches for NOVC bacteremia.
  • To underscore the clinical implications of limited research and surveillance in Africa.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) infections.
  • Synthesis of data regarding host risk factors, pathogenesis, and diagnostic methods.
  • Analysis of reported cases in non-cholera-endemic regions versus underreported cases in Africa.

Main Results:

  • NOVC bacteremia is increasingly reported in Europe and America, despite low-middle-income countries' susceptibility to cholera.
  • A significant gap exists in research and surveillance of V. cholerae bacteremia in African populations.
  • Non-toxigenic strains are the main culprits in V. cholerae bloodstream infections.

Conclusions:

  • The lack of comprehensive data on NOVC bacteremia in Africa poses significant clinical challenges.
  • Further research and surveillance are essential to address the burden of NOVC bacteremia in endemic regions.
  • Understanding NOVC pathogenesis and host factors is critical for effective clinical management and prevention strategies.

Keywords:
Vibrio choleraediagnosisnon-O1/non-O139 bacteremiasub-Saharan Africavirulence factors

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