Which genus does the agent causing cholera belong to?

Which genus does the agent causing cholera belong to?

• A. Escherichia
• B. Vibrio
• C. Salmonella
• D. Campylobacter

Answer: (B)

Cholera is caused by a bacterium in the Vibrio genus, specifically Vibrio cholerae. These organisms are curved, motile Gram-negative rods (often described as comma-shaped) that thrive in aquatic environments. They produce cholera toxin, which disrupts ion transport in the intestinal lining and leads to the profuse watery diarrhea seen in cholera. The other organisms listed cause different diseases, so the best match for the agent of cholera is the Vibrio genus.

Cholera is caused by a bacterium in the Vibrio genus, specifically Vibrio cholerae. These organisms are curved, motile Gram-negative rods (often described as comma-shaped) that thrive in aquatic environments. They produce cholera toxin, which disrupts ion transport in the intestinal lining and leads to the profuse watery diarrhea seen in cholera. The other organisms listed cause different diseases, so the best match for the agent of cholera is the Vibrio genus.