Diagnosis, Clinical Management, Prevention, and Control of Cholera; A Review Study

Abstract

Context: Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholera and transmitted by the fecal-oral route. The source of V. cholerae in nature is human and the most common vehicle of this infection is water and infected food. Here, we reviewed diagnosis, treatment, and prevention routes of cholera. Evidence Acquisition: Electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from 1980 to 2013 regarding epidemiology, treatment, and prevention routes of cholera. Keywords including cholera, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, and treatment of cholera, and control and prevention routes were searched. In this review article, we focused mainly on the treatment and control of cholera. Results: Cholera is a rare disease in industrialized countries; but, is still common in other parts of the world, including the Indian subcontinent, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin and Central American countries (like Haiti). Symptoms begin with a sudden onset of painless watery diarrhea which can quickly become voluminous. Antibiotics regimen is also recommended in addition to adequate hydration. Health education and education in environmental control are critical for the prevention of cholera. Conclusions: Safe water supply and adequate sanitation and hygiene are the important routes for the control and prevention of cholera infection.