Cholera
Biology: Cambridge International A Level, topic 10.1.5
Cholera
Cholera is a disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It is spread through poor sanitation.
Pathogen
- Vibrio cholerae is a bacteria that infects the small intestine.
- It produces toxins and causes watery diarrhea. It can be fatal if untreated due to excessive fluid loss.
Treatment
- Fluid & electrolyte replacement is important to prevent death in individuals with cholera.
- As bacteria causes cholera, antibiotics are an effective treatment for cholera.
Transmission
- Vibrio cholerae is transmitted through food or water contaminated with faeces. This may be from poor sanitation or poor personal hygiene.
- This transmission route is called the faecal-oral route.
Prevention
- Improved sanitation & hygiene is sufficient to prevent the spread of cholera.
- Good water sanitation means cholera occurs rarely in developed countries.
Test yourself on Cholera
Which part of the body does cholera affect?