Cholera
Alternative names:
V. cholera; vibrio
Definition:
An infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium
Vibrio cholera.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Cholera is an acute
illness characterized by watery diarrhea.
The toxin released by the bacteria causes increased secretion
of water and chloride ions in the intestine, which can produce
massive diarrhea. Death can result from the severe dehydration
brought on by the diarrhea. Cholera occurs in epidemics when
conditions of poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine are
present. Endemic areas
include India, Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and more recently,
South and Central America, Mexico, and the U.S.. The infection
is acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water. A type
of vibrio also has been associated with shellfish,
especially raw oysters. Risk factors include residence or
travel in endemic areas and exposure to contaminated or untreated
drinking water. The incidence
is 1 out of 100,000 people.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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