Biochemistry of Cholera
Introduction
Cholera is an acute contagious infection that results in severe water like diarrhea which can lead to desiccation or even death if not treated as early as possible. It is usually caused by consuming meals or taking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae which infects the intestines. This bacterium was discovered as the primary causative agent of cholera by an Italian scientist Filippo Pacini in 1954.
Signs and symptoms of cholera
Diarrhea is one of the main signs and symptoms of cholera which comes out suddenly and often leads to severe fluid loss in the body. It usually has a pale, milky appearance that resembles water from which rice has been washed. Similarly, Nausea and vomiting are other symptoms, especially during the early stages of the disease, which lasts for hours. Consequently, a patient develops dehydration as a result of the massive loss of fluid in the body. Due to this condition, a patient’s body produces fatigue, sunken eyes, dry mouth, and extreme thirst, dry and shrove skin. This weakens the human body and thus a significant risk if not treated. In addition to human suffering, outbreaks of cholera cause panic, disrupt the economic structure and can obstruct progress in affected societies.
Diagnosis of Cholera
The only way to make a precise analysis of cholera is to send a stool specimen or a rectal swab to a laboratory that can test for cholera bacterium. In this scenario, the isolation and identification of Vibrio cholerae serogroup 01 or 0139 by a culture of a stool specimen remain the gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis of cholera. Carry Blair media is ideal for transport and conservation of clinical sample primarily, stool and rectal swab. This medium has a low nutrient content to prevent duplication of an organism while retaining visibility. On the other hand, in areas with few laboratories, a rapid ‘dipstick’ can be used to test a stool sample. The dipstick test kits can be used for screening of a range of antigens or toxins in food, agriculture and healthcare. They provide specific results on-site within ten minutes with suitable accuracy and are therefore cost-effective.
People at Risk of contracting cholera
People who are most likely to be exposed to cholera include healthcare personnel handling cholera patients, the cholera surveillance teams as well as travellers in areas of active cholera transmission which do not who follow safe food and water precautions as well as personal hygiene measures. Additionally, people living in crowded areas without adequate social amenities such as clean water, toilets and proper water and sewerage disposal are at the highest risks and should take safety measures.
Treatment and prevention of Cholera
Cholera is treated by rehydration, administering IV fluids and antibiotics. Intravenous and oral hydration are both associated with significantly decreasing mortality and remain the pillar of treatment for cholera. However, antibiotics can be used as an adjunct of hydration treatment for cholera. Similarly, Antimicrobial agents can be administered to a patient 3-5 days as a remedy for the syndrome. However, single-dose therapy with tetracycline, doxycycline or ciprofloxacin has been effective in reducing the duration and volume of diarrhea.
The prevention of cholera entails proper use of restrooms, washing of hands regularly, treating and boiling drinking water, adequate washing of fruits and vegetables, sufficient cooking of food and eating it while hot. Similarly, boiling or treating drinking water is one of the best precautions against cholera. It is because cholera is a waterborne disease and mainly spread through drinking contaminated water. Also, adhering to hygienic rules, set by the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a tremendous precaution against this syndrome.
Relationship of Cholera to COVID-19
Although both diseases have different causative agents, cholera is closely related to COVID 19. it is because they are all contagious diseases. In the same platform, hygiene is one of the significant precautions the public is to adhere to stop the spread of these syndromes. Alternatively, both diseases spread through body contact from an infected patient. The use of Proper Protective types of equipment is a requirement to all medical practitioners in combating both pandemics. Consequently, the two diseases are dreadful if not detected and treated in early stages. Likewise, all conditions require victims to be isolated from the public during the medication as a precaution to curb their spread.
Conclusion
Cholera is a dangerous disease but can be managed. Adherence to all precaution measures can reduce the risks it poses to human life. Once the signs and symptoms are detected, it is advisable to seek medical attention as quickly as possible to avoid chances of losing loved ones. Medical personnel in charge of combating this malady should be provided with appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) to assure them of their safety while handling the victims of cholera. Finally, hospitals should be provided with proper testing kits to ease the diagnosis of this contagious disease.
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