What does Vibrio cholerae look like?

V cholerae is a comma-shaped, gram-negative aerobic or facultatively anaerobic bacillus that varies in size from 1-3 µm in length by 0.5-0.8 µm in diameter (see the image below). Its antigenic structure consists of a flagellar H antigen and a somatic O antigen.

What kind of organism is Vibrio cholerae?

Introduction. Vibrio cholerae is a curved, Gram-negative bacilli. The organism is widely distributed in aquatic environments, where it is a natural, free-living organism.

What does Vibrio cholerae look like under a microscope?

Cholera vibrios are slim, short, curved rods, about 0.5 × 3 μm in size. Cells may be linked end to end, forming S shapes and spirals. They are highly motile with a single polar flagellum, non-spore forming, oxidase positive.

Which organisms causes cholera?

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

Why is cholera called the Blue Death?

Cholera has been nicknamed the “blue death” because a person’s skin may turn bluish-gray from extreme loss of fluids [4].

How do you test for Vibrio?

Isolation and identification of Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 or O139 by culture of a stool specimen remains the gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis of cholera. Cary Blair media is ideal for transport, and the selective thiosulfate–citrate–bile salts agar (TCBS) is ideal for isolation and identification.

What is the common name for Vibrio cholerae?

V. cholerae has two circular DNA. One DNA produces the cholera toxin (CT), a protein that causes profuse, watery diarrhea (known as “rice-water stool”)….

What does bacillus look like under a microscope?

Unlike coccis bacteria, bacillus will appear as elongated rods (rod-like) when viewed under the microscope. In most cases, the bacilli occur as single cells (e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis), but may occur in pairs (diplobacillus) or form chains commonly refered to as streptococcus (e.g. Bacillus cereus).

Can cholera be cured?

Cholera is an easily treatable disease. The majority of people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS).

Is cholera killed by boiling water?

Dr. MINTZ: Well, boiling water is a very effective way to disinfect the water. And it will not only kill Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria that causes cholera, but it’s a right way to make sure your water is free of any pathogen, any living organism that could cause infection or illness.

Who found the cure for cholera?

In 1885, Spanish physician Jaime Ferrán, who studied under Koch’s rival Louis Pasteur, became the first to create a cholera vaccine. He did so after cultivating Vibrio cholerae and working with the live germs. Ferrán became the first to do a mass-vaccination as well.

What are the early signs of Vibrio?

When ingested, Vibrio bacteria can cause watery diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Usually these symptoms occur within 24 hours of ingestion and last about 3 days. Severe illness is rare and typically occurs in people with a weakened immune system.

What causes cholera disease?

A bacterium called Vibrio cholerae causes cholera infection. However, the deadly effects of the disease are the result of a potent toxin called CTX that the bacterium produce in the small intestine. CTX binds to the intestinal walls, where it interferes with the normal flow of sodium and chloride.

Is cholera a communicable disease?

Cholera is a communicable disease. First understand the difference between the two. If the disease is spread by direct or indirect contact, it is communicable otherwise non-communicable.

What are some examples of Vibrio bacteria?

In fact, it is a rather small genus, and has way fewer members than, say, the Bacillus genus. The best example of a Vibrio is going to be Vibrio cholerae. Not only is this microbe the causative agent of cholera, but it was also one of the earliest microorganisms to be definitively tied to a specific disease.

What is the scientific name of Vibrio?

The scientific name for Vibrio is Vibrio