Structure of Pathogen

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholera that is facultatively anaerobic, meaning that it can grow in the presence and absence of oxygen, and it lies in a host's intestine or stool. (23) There are two serogroups of Vibrio cholera that are pathogenic: O1 and O139. (1) Vibrio cholera is of the genus vibrio meaning that it belongs in a group of gram-negative bacteria with a curved-rod shape, that depending on the species can cause foodborne illnesses. Bacteria of the Vibrio genus typically only grow in spaces that have salt, but Vibrio cholera is an exception to this rule.

Cholera toxin (CT), which is a product of Vibrio cholera, is an AB toxin and an enterotoxin. It can also be called a multifunctional protein seeing as to how it has properties that enhance antigen presentation in APCs and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent by messing with specific signal pathways. (17)

Specific types of pili have different properties: one that insures adhesion to the chitin on the shells of crabs and another that is specific to a host's intestines. (22) (24)

In aquatic ecosystems, Vibrio cholera consumes chitin on the exoskeletons of arthropods and plankton. Colonies and biofilms can be produced in this environment and this brings competition that rewards those that are better adapted to chitin surfaces. (23)