Pathogenesis+-+Cholera

The bacteria //Vibrio Cholerae// enters the body through contaminated water or food and causes disease through series of different protein expressions. At each location in the body the bacteria reacts with different chemical surroundings so as to express different genes at different times. While in the stomach it halts almost all protein production to save energy. When it encounters the mucus that lines the intestinal walls it expresses flagella, cylindrical proteins that it can use for propulsion. It uses these proteins to reach the intestinal wall, where the new chemical environment causes it to stop flagella production and begin producing the cholera toxin.

//The Cholera Toxin// //Vibrio Cholerae expressing a flagellum//

The cholera toxin is constructed of two protein features: one copy of an A protein sub unit and five copies of a B protein sub unit. The five B proteins form a ring that can bind to receptors on intestinal cells and get the complex inside the cell through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Once inside the protein features separate, and the A protein causes a cascade of reactions inside the cell. These reactions result in an overproduction of the protein cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate), which in turn causes the cell to release an imbalance of chemicals into the intestine. The influx throws off the controlled osmosis in the gut, resulting in rapid dehydration. Treatment requires the replenishment of water and electrolytes.

//Cholera Toxin reaction with intestinal cells//

Treatment & Response - Cholera