Vibrio cholerae

DEFINITION
Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration
and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a
bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

CHARACTERISTICS
Vibronaceae family
gram negative
non-spore forming
facultative anaerobe

MOTA

penetrates the mucous to reach the epithelial layer of the small intestine
causes the secretion of chlorine, bicarbonate and water by the epithelial cells contacted by the
cholera toxin.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Watery diarrhea
Fishy odor stools
Vomiting.
Rapid heart rate.
Loss of skin elasticity
Dry mucous membranes
Low blood pressure

TREATMENT

Rehydration therapy
tetracycline