Cholera

Vibrio Cholorae
The bacteria which causes cholera.

Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio Cholorae, (pictured left). The bacteria enters the body via the oral route, (i.e. through the mouth). It is usually passed on through contaminated food or water. As such it is common in areas with poor hygiene, and is easily spread in countries like Malawi which are at risk from flooding.

The bacteria goes on to infect the small intestine. In particular it infects the mucous membrane of the intestine.

The main symptom of cholera is severe diarrhoea. The bacteria produces a toxin which mixes with substances in the intestine wall. This causes an enzyme system which causes excretion of body fluids containing bicarbonate and sodium. Around a day after infection the disease causes abrupt, watery diarrhoea. This is soon followed by vomiting, dehydration, muscle cramps and decreased blood pressure. Signs of this show up in the skin and face, which become withered and drawn. The pulse also loses intensity.

Treatment of cholera is very simple. It usually involves a short period of antibiotics, which curb the diarrhoea. The main part of treatment is the replenishing of the lost fluid and salts. This is either done orally, or via an intravenous (IV) drip of an alkaline sodium chloride solution. (Sodium chloride is the pure form of common salt.) With adequate fluid and salt replacement, recovery is quick and full. However, with inadequate or no treatment, mortality rates are high.