What is the mode of transmission of cholera?
The most common mode of acquiring V. cholerae is consumption of water contaminated by human feces. Eating food contaminated with V. cholerae is another mode of transmission of cholera. The infectious dose of V. cholerae is much lower than normal in case of hypochlorhydric (low gastric acid) persons, if person is taking antacids, and if gastric acidity is buffered by food in stomach. In endemic areas, cholera is predominantly a disease of children, but in non endemic areas children as well as adults are equally affected, especially if newly introduced. Children below 2 years of age have lower risk of acquiring cholera, may be due to acquiring passive immunity through breast milk or infants on exclusive breast feeding. Cholera is common during summer months. Individuals with blood group “O” are at highest risk of cholera as they are most susceptible and persons with blood group “AB” have lowest risk. But the reason is unknown.
