Journal of Health & Medical Economics

A mini-review of detection techniques of Vibrio cholera

Cholera is an acute enteric bacterial disease characterized by copious watery diarrhea with or without vomiting, severe dehydration and death if left untreated. The disease is caused Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) serogroups, O1 and O139 strains. The transmission of the infection exclusively occurs via ingestion of fecally contaminated water or food. To date, the world has hosted seven distinct cholera pandemics. In the developing world, particularly in low-income countries, cholera continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The disease is endemic in Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. Detection of the presence of V. cholerae in environmental or clinical samples early and accurately is pivotal for appropriate treatment, control and prevention of the disease. Here, we give a brief account of detection techniques of V. cholerae in a variety of specimen types. Detection methods of different types such as the conventional microbiological method, molecular techniques, enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay, dipstick tests, agglutination test, conglutination test and immunofluorescence assay are available. Commercially, several immunechromatographic format rapid diagnostic tests are available for the detection of V. cholerae in a variety of specimen types. It is more likely that the developing world will host series of cholera outbreaks in the years to come. Therefore, endemic countries should improve surveillance of V. cholerae, educate the public about the disease, provide clean drinking water and equip local health centers with diagnostic techniques of lower cost, less timeconsuming, easy to use and interpret.

Author(s):

Daniel Hussien Reta^{1, 2*} and Tesfaye Sisay Tessema²

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