Cholera
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 10.1.6
Cholera
Diarrhoea is the loss of watery faeces. It is a symptom of many health problems and diseases and can cause dehydration because water is not absorbed properly.
Cholera
- Cholera is a disease caused by bacteria that results in severe diarrhoea.
- The bacteria give off toxins that make the small intestine secrete chloride ions.
- Due to osmosis, water moves into the gut to balance the low gut water potential caused by the chloride ions.
- This results in too much water and salts being lost in faeces.
Treatment
- Oral rehydration therapy is a treatment where water containing salts and sugars is drunk. This restores the water, salt and sugars lost in diarrhoea.
Test yourself on Cholera
What type of pathogen causes cholera?
Cholera and Diarrhoea
Which of the following diseases results in severe diarrhoea?