Cholera

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine and is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae produces a toxin called ‘enterotoxin’ which causes the symptoms of cholera.


A type of cholera bacteria called El Tor biotype tends to cause milder disease than the classic biotype.

In more than 90% of affected people, the illness is of mild or moderate severity and is difficult to distinguish clinically from other forms of diarrheal diseases. Less than 10% of infected persons develop typical cholera with signs of moderate or severe dehydration that can sometimes lead to death. The mortality rate without treatment is between 25% and 50%.

Cholera is endemic in India and Southeast Asia. Cholera outbreaks can occur sporadically in any part of the world where water supplies, sanitation, food safety and hygiene practices are inadequate.

Cholera is most frequently transmitted by food and water sources contaminated with the causative bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera is diagnosed by patient history and stool examination. The main treatment for cholera is fluid and electrolyte replacement either orally or intravenously. In severe cases, an effective antibiotic treatment can reduce the volume and duration of diarrhea and the period of Vibrio cholerae excretion.