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Vibrio cholerae O139 in Calcutta
S K Bhattacharya1, M K Bhattacharya, D Dutta
1National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Calcutta, India.
Insights
Vibrio cholerae O139 caused acute watery diarrhea in children, presenting with severe dehydration and vomiting. This new strain
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Vibrio cholerae O139 is an emerging pathogen causing cholera outbreaks.
- Understanding the clinical presentation in children is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features and biochemical parameters of acute watery diarrhea in children caused by Vibrio cholerae O139.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of stool samples from children with acute watery diarrhea.
- Clinical assessment of symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, anorexia, dehydration, and fever.
- Blood biochemical profiling and screening for hypoglycemia.
Main Results:
- Vibrio cholerae O139 was identified in 28 out of 79 children with acute watery diarrhea.
- Common symptoms included 100% watery diarrhea and dehydration, 79% vomiting, and 61% abdominal cramps and anorexia.
- Clinical and biochemical profiles were similar to adult cases, with 40% of screened children exhibiting hypoglycemia.
Conclusions:
- Vibrio cholerae O139 causes severe acute watery diarrhea in children, characterized by significant dehydration and vomiting.
- The clinical presentation and biochemical derangements, including hypoglycemia, are comparable to those observed in adults.
- Prompt recognition and management are essential for pediatric cases of Vibrio cholerae O139 infection.
Abstract:
Vibrio cholerae O139 was recovered from 28 of 79 children with acute watery diarrhoea. Clinically, they presented with watery diarrhoea (100%), vomiting (79%), abdominal cramps (61%), anorexia (61%), dehydration (100%), and absence of fever. Both clinical and blood biochemical parameters of these cases were similar to the illness caused by the new strain in adults. Hypoglycaemia was seen in 40% of those screened.