Cholera, Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139, and Other Pathogenic Vibrios

Cholera is a potentially epidemic and life-threatening secretory diarrhea characterized by numerous, voluminous watery stools, often accompanied by vomiting, and resulting in hypovolemic shock and acidosis. It is caused by certain members of the species Vibrio cholerae which can also cause mild or inapparent infections. Other members of the species may occasionally cause isolated outbreaks of milder diarrhea whereas othersthe vast majorityare free-living and not associated with disease.