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Death by Diarrhoea
Introduction
Cholera is an infectious disease, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which affects the transport of water
in the small intestine. The bacterium secretes a toxin, cholera toxin (CT) which causes severe fluid loss from
the body into the digestive tract, leading to dehydration and ultimate death by diarrhoea. V. cholera has
caused seven worldwide disease outbreaks or pandemics since 1817, killing millions of people and infecting
millions more – including four epidemics in the UK accounting for approximately 55,000 deaths.
Task
You need to prepare a presentation to group of students thinking about travelling to Haiti to volunteer in
building a new school in a remote area of the country. A potential risk to their health is the disease, cholera.
You will need to describe the transmission and symptoms of cholera and include the cause of this disease and
why it is a deadly killer, particularly in developing countries.
Process
Start with a description of the historical context – how scientists discovered cholera was linked to
contamination of drinking water.
Describe the epidemiology of cholera? Where is it prevalent and why? How is it spread?
Describe how the Cholera vibrio bacterium causes the disease and the symptoms of dehydration
Then explain the science behind how the bacterium causes dehydration (hint: osmosis!!)
Medical diagnosis and treatment: What treatments are available for cholera? How is the infection treated as
well as the dehydration? How do health professionals treat large populations efficiently and economically,
particularly in parts of the world where access to health care may be limited.
Describe how the infection can be prevented.
As supporting evidence, you may wish to include images and charts to aid your explanation.
The presentation can be arranged in any format such as powerpoint, leaflet or prezi!
Resources
There is an area on Moodle with resources. You can use these as well as any relevant web resources but please
make sure you quote all references.
John Snow and the communication of cholera – AQA Biology
Cholera – death by diarrhoea. Society for General Microbiology Booklet
Conclusion
Outline the risks to travellers. What precautions should be taken? What medical advice needs to be given?
You are expected to spend at least 4 hours on this project and bring it to the first biology lesson in
September.
Mrs Lamb & Mrs Mandley July 2013