Cholera is an acute, secretory diarrhoea caused by infection with Vibrio cholerae of the O1 and O139 serogroups. Cholera is endemic in over 50 countries and also causes large epidemics.

Although mild cholera may be indistinguishable from other diarrheal illnesses, the presentation of severe cholera is distinct, with dramatic diarrheal purging.

Overview

• caused by Vibro cholerae - Gram negative bacteria

PC

• Watery diarrhoea that begins suddenly (rice water like)
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
  • Excessive thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry skin
  • Oliguria
• Hypoglycaemia
  • Drowsiness or lethargy
  • Irritability

Investigations

The diagnosis of cholera primarily involves:

• Stool culture: This is the gold standard for cholera diagnosis.
  • comma-shaped gram-negative bacilli
• Rapid diagnostic tests: These can provide a diagnosis within hours, but are less sensitive and specific than culture.

Management

• Aggressive fluid replacement: effective therapy can decrease mortality from over 50% to less than 0.2%.