A Case of Cholera Imported From Haiti

Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is an acute and sudden-onset diarrheal disease that can result in profound dehydration because of excessive loss of water and electrolytes. Severe infections, if untreated, can lead to hypovolemic shock and death within 18 to 24 h. The virulence of V. cholerae is due to the production of cholera toxin that binds to enterocytes and eventually leads to the activation of the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene, resulting in the massive efflux of water and electrolytes into the small bowel.
Source: Clinical Microbiology Newsletter - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: news