Vibrio Cholerae

Canada’s Cholera epidemic began in June of 1832 when a ship named The Carrick arrived from Ireland. A large number of passengers on the ship, all Irish immigrants to Canada, were sick with this disease. Because the majority of the population lived very close together and under poor conditions, the outbreak spread swiftly and infected many people very quickly. Entire communities quarantined themselves in hopes of preventing the spread of infection. Since Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for causing Cholera, is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, most commonly through water, they were not saved from contracting the infection.

Being a fan of historical fiction novels, I have read many books in which one of the characters has contracted, and usually died from, cholera. I became curious about what Cholera is caused by and how it is treated now compared to historically, since current treatments seem to be much more effective now than they used to be. The first records of cholera infections date back to the time of Hippocrates; however the first recorded epidemic was in 1563.1 Originally, cholera was treated by bleeding the patient or administering opium. As the 19th century progressed, the incidence of cholera outbreaks reduced significantly. This is likely due to increased standards of living and greater cleanliness. There have been seven cholera pandemics in history, the first six having occurred between the years 1817 and 1923.2

Vibrios are one of the most common bacterium found in water around the world.1 They are also very versatile and are able to get nutrients from many different organic compounds. There are many different species, two of which cause pathogens in humans. Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus ...

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...e is one that has very minimal side effects, while still providing long-lasting immunity. There used to be a vaccine against cholera available in the United States, but due to the ineffectiveness of the vaccine, it has been discontinued. In addition, a booster shot was required every six months to maintain immunity.2 There are currently two new types of cholera vaccines available. Both are taken orally, but one is an inactivated form of the bacterium, while the other is a live attenuated vaccine. The inactivated vaccine is composed of the whole cell, plus B subunits. Research found that in order to be fully protected, two doses of the vaccine were required. In addition, this type of vaccine did not provide protection from the El Tor strain.2 The live attenuated vaccine has not been shown to provide any lasting immunity against cholera in those who have received it.2