How does cholera affect the human body?

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It affects the small intestine, where it produces a toxin that leads to massive secretion of electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen. This results in profuse watery diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

How cholera affects the human body:

1. Ingestion of Vibrio cholerae: The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is usually transmitted through contaminated water or food. Once ingested, it passes through the stomach and reaches the small intestine.

2. Colonization and toxin production: In the small intestine, V. cholerae colonizes the mucosal surface and produces a toxin called cholera toxin. This toxin binds to receptors on the surface of intestinal cells and activates a cascade of events that lead to massive fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen.

3. Watery diarrhea: The cholera toxin causes the intestinal cells to secrete large amounts of water and electrolytes, resulting in profuse watery diarrhea. The diarrhea can be so severe that it can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

4. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: The loss of fluids and electrolytes through diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can cause a number of symptoms, including thirst, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and confusion. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to shock and death.

5. Other symptoms: In addition to diarrhea, cholera can also cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. These symptoms are usually less severe than the diarrhea and dehydration.

6. Immunity: After recovering from cholera, most people develop immunity to the disease. However, some people may remain carriers of the bacteria and can spread it to others without showing any symptoms.

7. Treatment

Treatment for cholera involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes and preventing further dehydration. This is usually done through intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts (ORS). Antibiotics may also be used to treat the infection.

Cholera is a potentially fatal disease, but it can be successfully treated if it is caught early.