Master Vibrio Cholera Characteristics with Picmonic for Medicine

Vibrio cholera is a gram negative, oxidase positive, comma shaped bacteria that causes a life threatening, rice water diarrhea. The biochemistry behind this infective organism is in the toxin’s ability put the Gs subunit of the G protein in the “on” position with ADP ribosylation. This causes it to continuously activate adenylyl cyclase which produces cAMP. The cAMP is what binds to and opens the chloride channel (CFTR). This sustains the channels secretory ability and results in continued secretion of Cl into the gut lumen where Na and water follow.  This ends in severe dehydration, electrolyte depletion and possible death. The organism is typically found in seafood, and should be treated with both glucose and Na rich electrolyte fluids.