Description Bacterial infection...
Description
Bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae within the small intestine producing watery diarrhea. It usually occurs in epidemics. Most commonly the disease is associated with poor sanitation. Cholera is spread between humans from ingestion of contaminated food or water. The illness begins suddenly with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The symptoms can be severe leading to dehydration and death.
Symptoms
Sudden onset of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst, low urine output.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Many times the disease is made clinically without specific testing. The bacteria can be identified in the stool or blood. Blood tests to identify the extent of the dehydration and presence of electrolyte abnormalities are frequently done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Stool cultures, blood cultures
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Many times the disease is made clinically without specific testing. The bacteria can be identified in the stool or blood. Blood tests to identify the extent of the dehydration and presence of electrolyte abnormalities are frequently done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Stool cultures, blood cultures
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Depending on the symptoms, rehydration will be given orally or intravenously. Antibiotics may shorten the course of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an oral rehydration solution consisting of sugar and electrolytes saving numerous lives internationally.