Cholera dynamics: lessons from an epidemic

Abstract

Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal disease that spreads rapidly and affects millions of people each year, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. The disease is caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 and is characterized by watery diarrhoea that can be lethal if not properly treated. Cholera had not been reported in South America from the late 1800s until 1991, when it was introduced in Peru, wreaking havoc in one of the biggest epidemics reported to date. Within a year, the disease had spread to most of the Latin American region, resulting in millions of cases and thousands of deaths in all affected countries. Despite its aggressive entry, cholera virtually disappeared from the continent after 1999. The progression of the entire epidemic was well documented, making it an ideal model to understand cholera dynamics. In this review, we highlight how the synergy of socioeconomic, political and ecological factors led to the emergence, rapid spread and eventual disappearance of cholera in Latin America. We discuss how measures implemented during the cholera epidemic drastically changed its course and continental dynamics. Finally, we synthesize our findings and highlight potential lessons that can be learned for efficient and standardized cholera management programmes during future outbreaks in non-endemic areas.

Genomic contextualisation of ancient DNA molecular data from an Argentinian fifth pandemic Vibrio cholerae infection

“…cholerae infection from the fifth pandemic in Latin America, their work is the latest in a recent surge in interest in using the unique aspects of cholera pandemics in Latin America to understand cholera and V. cholerae more generally [1, 11, 12]. The precisely defined periods in which pandemic cholera occurred and was introduced to Latin America [4] make this an ideal setting for researching the history of this disease and its epidemiology [1, 11].…”

“…While we cannot use this single archaeological sample to draw general conclusions about the fifth cholera pandemic per se, it will only be through such investigations that inroads will be made into understanding these historical events. Not only have Ramirez and colleagues presented the first molecular evidence of a V. cholerae infection from the fifth pandemic in Latin America, their work is the latest in a recent surge in interest in using the unique aspects of cholera pandemics in Latin America to understand cholera and V. cholerae more generally [1,11,12]. The precisely defined periods in which pandemic cholera occurred and was introduced to Latin America [4] make this an ideal setting for researching the history of this disease and its epidemiology [1,11].…”

Allelic variations and gene cluster modularity act as non-linear bottlenecks for cholera emergence

“…Cholera has existed in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, however, the disease started to spread worldwide after 1817 causing seven pandemics [8][9][10] . The first six pandemics are thought to have been caused by the Classical biotype V. cholerae O1, a strain that is now considered virtually extinct [8][9][10][11] . The seventh and current pandemic is caused by the El Tor biotype of V. cholerae O1 and started in Indonesia in 1961 12,13 .…”

Observance Des Mesures Barrières De Lutte Contre La Maladie A Coronavirus-19 & Morbi-Mortalités Liées Au Cholera En Zone EndemoEpidémique De La République Démocratique Du Congo

“…Le cholera est une maladie diarrhéique aigue causée par le Vibriocholerae, une bactérie entero-toxique gram négatif de la famille des Vibrionaceae dont on distingue plusieurs souches [1][2][3][4]. Il demeure un sérieux problème de santé publique, surtout dans les pays en voie de développement [1] [5] [6].…”

“…Il demeure un sérieux problème de santé publique, surtout dans les pays en voie de développement [1] [5] [6]. Le Vibriocholeraeest transmis au travers l'eau et les aliments souillés par les matièresfécales [7] - [10], d'où l'importance dans l'observance des mesures d'hygiène demeure le plus grand pilier de la lutte contre le choléra [3] [11]. Selon L'organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS), 1,3 à 4 millions de cas de choléra sont notifies chaque année, et le nombre de décès avoisinerait 21 milles à 143 milles [12] [13].…”