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Characteristics of non-cholera Vibrios isolated from cases of human diarrhoea
Abstract:
Eighty-two organisms tentatively identified as non-cholera vibrios were isolated from cases of diarrhoea occurring in East Pakistan. In 19 well-studied cases they were the predominant organism recovered, and a rise in agglutinating-antibody titre was found in six of these cases.Because of this additional evidence that non-cholera vibrios cause diarrhoeal disease, it was necessary to evaluate simple screening tests as a means of recognizing them. It was found that all organisms that produced a gelatinase "zone", had typical vibrio morphology on microscopic examination, produced colonies showing a characteristic picture when examined by oblique light microscopy, and gave a positive "string" test were vibrios. Agglutination tests with vibrio O group I antiserum and with antirough vibrio serum distinguished the organisms from Vibrio cholerae. Since these organisms may be discarded by enteric diagnostic procedures directed mainly towards the isolation and identification of Salmonella and Shigella, it is recommended that the screening tests for these organisms be carried out in cases of diarrhoea of unknown etiology.
Insights
Non-cholera vibrios were identified as a cause of diarrhea in East Pakistan. Simple screening tests can help recognize these vibrio pathogens, distinguishing them from Vibrio cholerae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Diarrheal diseases pose a significant public health challenge globally.
- The role of non-cholera vibrios in causing diarrhea has been increasingly recognized.
- Standard enteric diagnostic procedures may overlook these non-cholera vibrio pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of non-cholera vibrios in diarrheal cases in East Pakistan.
- To evaluate simple screening tests for the identification of non-cholera vibrios.
- To differentiate non-cholera vibrios from Vibrio cholerae.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of bacterial organisms from diarrheal cases.
- Microscopic examination for vibrio morphology.
- Biochemical tests including gelatinase production and string test.
- Agglutination tests using specific antisera (Vibrio O group I and anti-rough vibrio serum).
Main Results:
- Eighty-two non-cholera vibrio strains were isolated from diarrheal cases.
- These organisms were the predominant bacteria in 19 well-studied cases.
- A rise in agglutinating-antibody titre was observed in six cases.
- Specific screening tests (gelatinase, morphology, oblique light microscopy, string test) accurately identified vibrios.
- Agglutination tests successfully differentiated these strains from Vibrio cholerae.
Conclusions:
- Non-cholera vibrios are confirmed etiological agents of diarrhea.
- Simple, effective screening tests can identify these vibrios.
- Routine enteric diagnostic protocols should include screening for non-cholera vibrios in unexplained diarrhea cases.