1. Pathogenic vibrios. Vibrio cholerae
Pathogenic vibrios. Vibrio cholerae. Laboratory diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of cholera.
Vinnitsa National Pirogov Memorial Medical University / Department of microbiology

2. TAXONOMIC POSITION OF THE PATHOGENIC VIBRIOS
Family Vibrionaceae
Genus Vibrio
Medical important species:
V.cholerae
V.parahaemolyticus
V.vulnificus
V.alginolyticus

3. Classification of the vibrios
Biochemical classification by Heiberg (1934)
Serological classification

4. VIBRIO CHOLERAE

5. Cultural characteristics
The cholera vibrions is strongly aerobic
Growth is better in an alkaline medium the range of pH being (optimum 8.2)
Special media:
Alkaline peptone water at pH 8.6;
Monsur's taurocholate tellurite peptone water at pH 9.2.
Alkaline bile salt agar (BSA) pH 8.2.

6. Classification of the V. cholerae
Biovars:
V. cholerae b/v classical
V. cholerae b/v El-Tor
Serotypes:
Ogawa (AB)
Inaba (AC)
Hikojima (ABC)

7. Distinguishing features of biovars
Tests
b/v classical
b/v El Tor
Agglutination of fowl erythrocytes - +
Lysis of sheep erythrocytes
Growth in the presence of polymixin B
Sensitivity to phages
Mukerjee`s group IV phage (C)
Mukerjee`s group V phage (El -Tor)
Acetoin production in the Voges-Proskauer test

8. Factors of virulence
Exotoxin (choleragen, cholera enterotoxin, cholera toxin, CT, or CTX)
Endotoxin.
Adherence factors (pili)
Proteolytic enzymes (gelatinase, mucinase)

9. Epidemiology and pathogenesis
Infection is acquired through fecally contaminated water or food.
Clinical forms:
Enteritis
Gastroenteritis
Choleric algid
Choleric coma (severe dehydration)

10. Laboratory diagnosis Rapid tests Microscopy Bacteriological method
Serology

11. Prophylaxis
General measures
Specific measures

12. Vibrio cholerae