classical Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae is a comma-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that causes cholera, an intestinal disease spread through the fecal-oral route, primarily via contaminated water and food. There are over 200 serogroups of V. cholerae, but only O1 and O139 cause cholera.123

The classical biotype of V. cholerae O1 was responsible for six major cholera pandemics in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The current, seventh pandemic, which began in the mid-20th century, is caused by the El Tor biotype. The El Tor biotype is more resilient in aquatic environments and often causes mild or asymptomatic infections, making it a significant factor in the disease's spread. This biotype has also acquired antibiotic resistance, posing further challenges.14