How does the Vibrio cholerae bacterium affect the body?
The bacterium that causes cholera is usually very sensitive to the acids present in the stomach and digestive tract. Small amounts of bacteria are killed by the stomach acids before they can establish themselves in the body. But, when large numbers of the bacteria overwhelm the body’s natural defenses, they grow in the small intestine and are passed in the fecal material of the infected person. Infected persons who have mild cases or show no symptoms of the disease — especially those who have poor personal hygiene habits — spread the infection by direct contamination of food with infected excrement. Can cholera be prevented?
