What causes cholera?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The organism is a comma-shaped, gram-negative bacillus that is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Vibrio cholerae produces a powerful enterotoxin (cholera toxin) that causes intestinal cells to secrete large amounts of fluid, leading to severe watery diarrhea.
The option correctly identifies the causative organism and its classification as a bacterium, distinguishing it from the distractor that incorrectly labels it as a virus.

Option A: Salmonella typhi is the bacterium that causes typhoid fever, a systemic illness characterized by prolonged fever, not the acute watery diarrhea typical of cholera.
Option B: This option is incorrect because while Vibrio cholerae is the correct organism, it is a bacterium, not a virus. Viruses and bacteria are fundamentally different types of microorganisms.
Option D: Streptococci are a genus of bacteria responsible for a wide range of infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, and skin infections, but they do not cause cholera.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Cholera as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The primary nursing priority in managing cholera is rapid assessment and correction of dehydration, as it is the main cause of morbidity and mortality.
Nurses must be able to distinguish the signs of severe dehydration (e.g., lethargy, inability to drink, sunken eyes, loss of skin turgor) which necessitate immediate intravenous fluid therapy over oral rehydration.
Patient and community education on hygiene, safe water sources, and food preparation is a key public health role for nurses in preventing cholera outbreaks.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'cholera'. The question asks for its causative agent.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about common infectious diseases and their causes.
Recall that cholera is a gastrointestinal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae.
Scan the options. You will see two options with Vibrio cholerae.
Differentiate between the two options: one states it is 'viral' and the other 'bacterial'.
Recall that Vibrio is a genus of bacteria. Therefore, select the option that correctly classifies Vibrio cholerae as bacterial.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 788-790

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 285-287

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 2 p. 2

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.