Pathogenesis (development of disease)
The causative agent of cholera, Vibrio cholerae is transmitted fecal-orally. Infectivity (contagiousness) is relatively low; it is usually destroyed while still in the stomach.
However, if the pathogen overcomes the stomach, it attaches to the enterocytes (hem cells; by far the most common cell in the small intestinal epithelium) and multiplies. This produces an enterotoxin (toxins that exert their damaging effects in the gastrointestinal tract), which causes hypersecretion of water and electrolytes.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic causes
- Socioeconomic factors – low social classes with limited hygienic conditions.
Behavioral causes
- Diet – consumption of raw food and beverages suspected of contamination in endemic areas.
Disease-related causes
- Malnutrition (malnutrition)
In addition, underlying diseases of all kinds influence the extent and outcome of infection.
