Water and Foodborne Diseases Overview

A genetic disorder affecting roughly 1 in 2,500 people, caused by mutations in the CFTR protein. This results in thick mucus accumulation in the lungs and other organs, leading to breathing difficulties and digestive issues.

A protein responsible for transporting chloride ions across cell membranes, particularly in the lungs. Mutations in this protein lead to Cystic Fibrosis.

A bacterium responsible for causing cholera, a severe diarrheal disease. It is commonly found in contaminated water and food.

An opportunistic pathogen that can cause foodborne illness. It is found in various environments and can survive outside the human body. Listeria can even cross the blood-brain barrier and placental barrier, posing a risk to pregnant women and newborns.

A process where a pathogen utilizes the host cell's cytoskeletal machinery to its advantage during the infection process.

A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, primarily spread through contaminated food and water.

The main reservoir of typhoid fever, responsible for the spread of the infection.

The primary means of transmission for typhoid fever; involves ingestion of contaminated materials.

A bacterial capsule produced by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, that helps it evade the host's immune system.

A type of selective and differential media used to detect Salmonella bacteria, including those responsible for typhoid.

A crucial preventative measure for typhoid, involving proper sanitation and water treatment.

One of the effective ways to prevent typhoid infection; however, it's not 100% effective.

A concerning factor in typhoid treatment, where certain strains have developed resistance to common antibiotics.

A group of intestinal bacteria, including fecal coliforms (from warm-blooded animals) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). These bacteria are used as indicators of fecal contamination in water.

A general term for infections acquired from contaminated water. These infections often involve the digestive system and cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever.

A type of coliform found in the gut of warm-blooded animals, indicating fecal contamination in water.

E. coli is a common type of fecal coliform. It is commonly found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Its presence in water samples indicates fecal contamination.

A method for testing fecal contamination in water using a selective and differential media. Diluted water samples are inoculated into multiple tubes, and the number of tubes showing bacterial growth is used to estimate the concentration of bacteria in the original sample.

A method to quantify fecal contamination in water by filtering a specific volume of water through a membrane filter and growing the captured bacteria on a selective and differential medium.

A type of agar medium used to isolate and identify coliform bacteria. It contains lactose as a sugar source, a pH indicator that changes color upon acid production, and an inhibitor that prevents the growth of Gram-positive bacteria.

Water that is safe for human consumption. It is free of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites and meets specific quality standards.

Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. It is characterized by severe, watery diarrhea, sometimes referred to as 'rice water diarrhea'. Untreated, it can be fatal. Fortunately, rehydration therapy and antibiotics can effectively reduce mortality rates.

Cholera is rare in developed countries but is endemic in Southern Asia. Pandemic outbreaks have caused millions of cases and tens of thousands of deaths worldwide.

Cholera transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route, mainly via contaminated water. This means infected feces contaminate water sources, which are then consumed and lead to infection.

The cholera toxin (CT) is a crucial virulence factor, an AB exotoxin encoded by the ctxAB gene found on a bacteriophage called CTXφ. This toxin disrupts the normal function of intestinal cells, leading to severe diarrhea.

The Toxin Co-regulated Pilus (TCP) acts as a colonization factor crucial for Vibrio cholerae to attach to and form biofilms in the intestines, also serving as a receptor for CTXφ. It enhances the bacterium's ability to survive and cause infection.

CTXφ is a lysogenic, filamentous bacteriophage that carries the ctxAB gene for cholera toxin. It infects Vibrio cholerae strains, enabling them to produce the toxin and cause severe disease.

Only Vibrio cholerae strains carrying CTXφ are capable of causing epidemic cholera. This highlights the essential role of the bacteriophage in the severe and widespread nature of the infections.