Dr Hemanth S Naik

Medical Research Scientist

CHOLERACauses, treatment & prevention

INTRODUCTION

• Acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated by a comma-shaped bacteria Vibrio cholerae

• Deadly water borne disease• Untreated individuals may die from severe dehydration

within two to three hours.

CAUSES

• Vibrio Cholerae • Exposure from poor hygiene • Eating raw or undercooked food

Signs & Symptoms

• Begin 1 to 3 days after infection • Abdominal cramps • Dehydration

– Dry mouth  – Dry skin  – Excessive thirst– Sunken eyes – Low urine output  – Low Blood Pressure

• Watery diarrhea with a "fishy" odor • Tiredness  & Unusual sleepiness

Sign & symptoms

DIAGNOSIS

• Rectal swabs or from fresh stool samples.• Dark-field microscopic examination of fresh feces

showing rapidly moving bacilli • All food isolates must be tested for the production of

cholera enterotoxin.

TREATMENT

• Water and electrolyte replacement therapy – “oral re-hydration salts”

• Use of antibiotics

PREVENTION

• Drink only boiled water• Avoid undercooked or raw food• Proper sanitation

HISTORY