Vibrio comma, scientifically known as Vibrio cholerae, is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for causing the infectious disease known as cholera. It is a comma-shaped bacillus, with a single, polar flagellum that enables it to move in water environments, particularly contaminated water sources.
Cholera is characterized by severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, which if left untreated, can lead to severe electrolyte imbalances and shock, resulting in death. Vibrio comma thrives in unsanitary conditions and is prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation facilities, contaminated water supplies, and poor hygiene practices. The bacterium is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly seafood obtained from polluted waters.
The pathogenicity of Vibrio comma is dependent on the production of cholera toxin, which affects the intestinal lining, leading to the excessive secretion of fluids and electrolytes into the lumen of the intestines. This toxin is encoded by the ctxA and ctxB genes found on a lysogenic phage, which integrates into the bacterial genome.
Laboratory diagnosis of Vibrio comma is conducted through the isolation and identification of the bacterium from stool samples or rectal swabs, using specific culture media such as thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose (TCBS) agar.
Treatment of cholera primarily involves rehydration therapy, either orally or intravenously, to replace the fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhea. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline or doxycycline, can be administered to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and to prevent the spread of the bacterium to others.
Preventive measures against Vibrio comma and cholera include improving sanitation infrastructure, providing access to clean drinking water, practicing good
