Cólera: una revisión actualizada. parte 1. introducción, historia, definición, diagnóstico

Abstract

This review of selected recent papers dealing with cholera was written with the valuable help from the eleven Residents of the Second Year of the 1991-1993 Postgraduate Course on Family Medicine of the University of the Andes, to whom the author wishes to express his deepest gratitude.The objective of this review is to give a complete, precise and update information on the cholera disease, from its beginning in the world up to the current seventh pandaemia, which already is present in South America, including Venezuela.Information is given on the ways the disease is developed, its carrier and treatment, and what is more important: Prevention: It is impossible to prevent its propagation in a country, but if the people has a better understanding of the disease and a preparation on social and sanitary aspects, a lower rate of illiteracy, and a better level of life, then the mortality at all.Research is currently done on a vaccine against cholera, but up to date there is still a long way to go, especially in relation to efficacy, lack of the required power, short immunity and inefficacy in the asyntomatic bearers of the disease.The main common treatment continues to be oral and/or parenteral rehydration.The paper will be published in three parts: Part 1. Introduction, History, Definition, Diagnostic.Part 2. Epidemiologic aspects, Anticholera vaccine, Transmission mode, Guide for samples and specimens selection, and mailing of samples for research on Vibrio cholera.Part 3.