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Laboratory Techniques Used to Maintain and Differentiate Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae Clinical and Environmental Isolates
Published on: May 30, 2017
[Cholera in pediatrics]
L A Lezama-Basulto1, F Mota-Hernández
1Servicio de Hidratación Oral, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, D.F.
Insights
Cholera is a severe bacterial infection caused by V. cholerae 01, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Prompt fluid replacement is crucial, with antibiotics reserved for severe cases to manage cholera effectively.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Cholera is an acute bacterial infection of the small intestine caused by Vibrio cholerae 01.
- It presents with severe diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, potentially leading to high mortality if untreated.
- Asymptomatic carriers can contribute to disease transmission.
Purpose:
- To review current knowledge on cholera management and prevention.
- To emphasize effective case management strategies and appropriate treatment methods.
- To highlight key prevention measures against cholera dissemination.
Summary:
- Diagnosis involves clinical suspicion supported by epidemiological data and laboratory confirmation of V. cholerae.
- Initial treatment focuses on fluid and electrolyte restitution, similar to other diarrheal diseases.
- Antimicrobial therapy is indicated only for severe cholera cases.
Impact:
- Provides updated insights into cholera treatment protocols.
- Guides healthcare professionals on appropriate management and prevention strategies.
- Aims to reduce cholera morbidity and mortality through effective public health interventions.
Abstract:
Cholerae is a grave and acute bacterial intestine infection which is caused by a bacilo, V. cholerae 01, that produces toxic products. Its clinical symptoms range from abundant liquid diarrhoea combined with vomiting and rapid dehydration. It is highly lethal when right treatment is not applied. There are also cases of cholera where victims do not show any symptoms of it, that is asymptomatic carriers. Any clinical suspicion of cholerae has to be corroborated by epidemiological data and its diagnostic confirmation should be done by isolating the bacteria, V. cholerae. When beginning the treatment, it is not necessary to confirm the diagnostic and this is based on the restitution of the liquids lost through vomiting and facing using any methods that are recommended for any other type of diarrhoea. The antimicrobial treatment is used only for grave cases. This present revision includes recent knowledge about cholerae emphasising on the effective management of cases through an adequate use of right treatment methods and also using the principal prevention measures against dissemination of this disease.
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