Vibrio cholerae (Cholera) - an Osmosis Preview

Summary

Cholera is a contagious infection caused by the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*, leading to severe diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. It can be fatal without treatment, as seen in historical figures like James K. Polk and Charles X. The bacterium is gram-negative, curved, and has a polar flagellum for movement. It thrives in alkaline conditions and is oxidase-positive. *Vibrio cholerae* is a facultative anaerobe, capable of both respiratory and fermentative metabolism, enabling it to survive in the human gastrointestinal tract and cause widespread illness during outbreaks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cholera is a contagious infection caused by the bacteria *Vibrio cholerae*.
• 😀 The disease causes severe gastroenteritis, excessive watery diarrhea, and rapid dehydration.
• 😀 If left untreated, cholera can lead to fatal electrolyte imbalances.
• 😀 Historical figures such as James K. Polk (11th U.S. president) and Charles X (King of France) may have died from cholera.
• 😀 *Vibrio cholerae* is a gram-negative, curved bacterium with a comma-like shape.
• 😀 Under a gram stain, *Vibrio cholerae* appears pink or red.
• 😀 The bacterium is oxidase-positive and grows in alkaline media.
• 😀 *Vibrio cholerae* has pili and a single polar flagellum, which it uses for motility.
• 😀 The bacterium is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can undergo both respiratory and fermentative metabolism.
• 😀 Cholera can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, emphasizing the need for proper sanitation.

Q & A

What is cholera and what causes it?

Cholera is a contagious infection caused by the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*. It results in severe gastroenteritis, excessive watery diarrhea, and rapid dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated.

What are the primary symptoms of cholera?

The primary symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhea, rapid dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to death if not properly managed.

Which historical figures are suspected to have died from cholera?

James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States, and Charles the Tenth, the King of France, are suspected to have died from cholera.

What is the shape and appearance of *Vibrio cholerae* under a microscope?

*Vibrio cholerae* appears as a gram-negative, comma-shaped bacterium under a microscope, often stained red or pink during a Gram stain.

What kind of media does *Vibrio cholerae* grow in?

*Vibrio cholerae* grows in alkaline media, which provides a suitable environment for its survival and growth.

What are the key features of *Vibrio cholerae* that help it move through the gastrointestinal tract?

*Vibrio cholerae* has pili and a single polar flagellum, which it uses for movement through the gastrointestinal tract.

What does it mean for *Vibrio cholerae* to be a facultative anaerobe?

As a facultative anaerobe, *Vibrio cholerae* can survive in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is capable of undergoing both respiratory and fermentative metabolism.

How does *Vibrio cholerae* obtain energy?

*Vibrio cholerae* can obtain energy through both respiratory metabolism (using oxygen) and fermentative metabolism (in the absence of oxygen).

What is the significance of the oxidase test for *Vibrio cholerae*?

The oxidase test is significant because *Vibrio cholerae* is oxidase-positive, meaning it produces an enzyme that helps in the identification of the bacterium in laboratory settings.

How does *Vibrio cholerae* contribute to the development of cholera symptoms?

The bacteria infect the gastrointestinal tract, producing toxins that disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to excessive watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which are characteristic of cholera.