Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 13

Several instances of causal association were presented or alluded to in the examples presented in the case. List the various instances of association that can be identified from the examples or situations presented in the case.What role did social class, poverty, and housing arrangements play in association?What role did water play?

Step 1 of 3

Cholera is an epidemic as well as endemic disease. The main origin of cholera is not known since it gets transmitted wherever it gets chance. Oral-fecal route is the common route of its transmission. It is caused by a comma-shaped, gram negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It releases endotoxins, also known as cholera toxins, inside the intestine. This toxin causes vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal cramps and other symptoms.

It is believed that the endotoxins draw water from the blood in the lumen of intestine. This leads to diarrhea and dehydration, as a result of which water and electrolyte imbalance takes place. ORS (oral rehydration solution) is generally given to the patients suffering from diarrhea. It restores the electrolyte and balance of the body.