DEHYDRATING DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN DUE TO VIBRIO CHOLERAE

Abstract

Objective: A descriptive study was carried out to determine the causative organism of diarrhea, it’s possible source and the clinical outcome after therapy. Patients and Methods: Fifteen children were admitted with H/o acute onset of watery diarrhea. Stool samples were submitted to look for motility of the organisms and cultures. Results: Stools in 8 patients revealed the growth of Vibrio cholerae 01 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa. All the isolates were sensitive to Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin and resistant to Cotrimoxazole, Chloramphenicol, Nalidixic acid. Three of the isolates were resistant to Ampicillin. Cholera is endemic in Pakistan with the propensity to cause epidemics especially in summer season.

Conclusion: Adequately chlorinated water supply and improvement in public and personal hygiene can go a long way in preventing large epidemics of Cholera.