Dr. Jessica Pelletier and Dr. Kamoga Dickson discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of cholera.

Take-Home Points:

• Cholera is a disease with high morbidity that disproportionately affects sub-Saharan Africa
• The O1 and O139 serogroups of V. cholera make cholera toxin and cause the disease
• Colonization happens in the small intestine, so higher volumes of bacteria that make it to the small intestine are more likely to cause disease
• The classic presentation involves rice water stools and dehydration, but vomiting is also possible
• Patients with mild to moderate dehydration should receive oral rehydration, and those with severe dehydration should receive balanced IV fluids (where available)
• Severe cases need antibiotics based on local guidelines
• Prevention involves sanitation measures and vaccination

You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HCMld8vCdiPMRSAdSeWu2VWZFBhEF15Nvrsa_ov9YuA/edit?usp=sharing

Episode art attribution: image generated using Adobe Firefly

Episode sound attribution:

• Eating.m4a by smellyrat -- https://freesound.org/s/702179/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
• Poop fall 3 by frenkfurth -- https://freesound.org/s/776535/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
• Washing Hands.wav by allie_on_toast -- https://freesound.org/s/648346/ -- License: Creative Commons 0