Which statement correctly identifies the cholera agent?

Which statement correctly identifies the cholera agent?

• A. It is a spirochete.
• B. It is Vibrio cholerae.
• C. It is a cocci.
• D. It is a Bacillus.

Answer: (B)

Cholera is caused by a curved, motile Gram-negative rod in the genus Vibrio, specifically Vibrio cholerae. This organism is not a spiral-shaped spirochete, not a spherical cocci, and not a straight rod bacillus. The Vibrio cholerae designation identifies the pathogen responsible for cholera, which is transmitted mainly through contaminated water and produces the toxin that leads to profuse watery diarrhea. Lab traits to recognize it include its curved, comma-shaped appearance and its oxidase-positive reaction, with growth favored in alkaline conditions.

Cholera is caused by a curved, motile Gram-negative rod in the genus Vibrio, specifically Vibrio cholerae. This organism is not a spiral-shaped spirochete, not a spherical cocci, and not a straight rod bacillus. The Vibrio cholerae designation identifies the pathogen responsible for cholera, which is transmitted mainly through contaminated water and produces the toxin that leads to profuse watery diarrhea. Lab traits to recognize it include its curved, comma-shaped appearance and its oxidase-positive reaction, with growth favored in alkaline conditions.