Causal Agent:

Cholera is caused by an infectious agent; This is an aerobic bacillus, Gram negative, with only one polar scourge that gives high mobility called Vibrio cholerae. The vibrión cholera survive for periods up to 7 days outside the body, especially in wet environments and temperate; Survive in the water a few hours and a few weeks if it is contaminated with organic material.

Vibrio cholerae 01 includes two kinds of life forms: classic and variant the TOR; The two biotypes are separated into two main serotypes: Ogawa and Inaba, rarely a third serotype the Hikojima may be present. These serotypes may change during epidemics. All serotypes enterotoxins produced similar and also the clinical picture is very similar.

The toxin released by the bacteria cause increased secretion of chloride ions and water in the intestine, which can cause profuse diarrhea. It can occur death as a result of severe dehydration caused by diarrhea.

One type of vibrio bacteria has been associated with seafood, especially raw oysters. Risk factors include the fact reside or travel to endemic areas, as well as exposure to contaminated drinking water or untreated.