Cholera in the Early XXI Century: Global Prognosis

Abstract

The prognosis for cholera on 2011 proved true: the tendency of morbidity growth remained in the last decade (2002-2011) worldwide. Imported cholera cases caused large outbreaks and epidemics in the Caribbean countries and Asia. Formation of endemic foci in a number of countries of Asia and Africa took place, where favorable conditions for epidemics development (environmental and social conditions, military conflicts, economical and political instability) existed. Wide spread of genetically altered V. cholerae eltor and V. cholerae O139 variants with epidemic and pandemic potential was observed. All the events mentioned above predetermine the unfavorable prognosis for cholera on a global level.

Keywords

• cholera
• epidemics
• imported cases
• environmental and social conditions
• <i>vibrio cholerae</i>
• genetically altered <i>v. cholerae </i>eltor and <i>v. cholerae</i> o139 variants
• prognosis