Focus on CSIR research in water resources: Modelling complex biophysical processes associated with diseases. Case study: the ecology of vibriocholerae in the Mozambican channel

Abstract

Cholera is an acute bacterial infection of the small intestine, caused by Vibriocholerae and characterised by massive diarrhoea with rapid and severe depletion of body fluids and salts. The bacteria enter the body through the mouth, by ingestion of contaminated water and foods, causing an infection in the mucous membranes lining the lumen of the small intestine. Research over the past 30 years clearly shows an association between Vibriocholerae and plankton providing further evidence for the environmental origin of cholera and its complex interaction with the environment