Animal Models in Cholera Research

Abstract

Our current knowledge of cholera and the highly effective oral treatment of the disease could not have been attained without the use of animal models and human volunteers. Ever since the discovery of the etiologic agent of cholera, there have been attempts to develop suitable animal models for studying the interactions of Vibrio cholerae with its accidental human niche. The major animal models that have been employed in cholera research and some examples of the valuable information provided by these models have been discussed in this chapter. Finkelstein clearly demonstrated the presence of classical exo-enterotoxin (CT) (choleragen) and proceeded to work on purification of the material from Syncase medium, using infant rabbits as his biological assay. Concomitant with toxin purification, attempts were made to derive mutants of V. cholerae that would produce altered toxins or natural toxoids. Colonization studies are largely dependent on animal models, because the complex interactions between the two dynamic living systems are impossible to duplicate in vitro. The standard measure of vaccine efficacy was usually determined by the mouse protection assay. For all of the remarkable advances that have been made in cholera research at the bench, the real answers will have to be provided by V. cholerae in its normal environmental niche and in its transient home away from home, the intestines of humans and experimental animals.