+ Immunologic Response In Cholera PBL Objective

+ n Vibrio cholerae is a gram negative bacterium that secretes a toxin. n The toxin is responsible for the clinical effects of cholera (diarrhea and loss of electrolytes). The disease can kill within a day or so, mostly from electrolyte imbalance, which can be corrected with oral rehydration therapy.

+ Step 1 – Innate Immune Response n For most infectious diseases, the first response is the “innate immune response”. n This is a nonspecific response to any pathogen, usually including the signs of inflammation (heat, redness, swelling, pain). n Along with this response comes the secretion of natural defense mediators, such as the prostaglandins, arachadonic acid metabolites, etc. n This is a general response and is not specific for any pathogen.

+ Acquired Immune Response n The acquired immune response is later than the innate response and involves the production of secretory IgA in the intestine .