Which organism is the etiological agent of cholera?

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Multiple Choice

Which organism is the etiological agent of cholera?

Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, a comma-shaped Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the small intestine. The disease is driven by the cholera toxin, which ADP-ribosylates a G protein to keep adenylate cyclase active, raising cAMP in enterocytes. This pumps massive amounts of water and chloride into the intestinal lumen, producing the characteristic profuse, rice-water watery stools and rapid dehydration. Transmission typically occurs through contaminated water or food, with outbreaks in areas lacking clean sanitation. Prevention hinges on safe water and sanitation, plus rapid rehydration during illness. The other organisms listed cause diarrheal diseases with different features—dysentery with blood and mucus, or systemic fever without the classic cholera stool pattern—so they are not the etiologic agent of cholera.

Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, a comma-shaped Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the small intestine. The disease is driven by the cholera toxin, which ADP-ribosylates a G protein to keep adenylate cyclase active, raising cAMP in enterocytes. This pumps massive amounts of water and chloride into the intestinal lumen, producing the characteristic profuse, rice-water watery stools and rapid dehydration. Transmission typically occurs through contaminated water or food, with outbreaks in areas lacking clean sanitation. Prevention hinges on safe water and sanitation, plus rapid rehydration during illness. The other organisms listed cause diarrheal diseases with different features—dysentery with blood and mucus, or systemic fever without the classic cholera stool pattern—so they are not the etiologic agent of cholera.

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