I am working as a volunteer for an international charity whose aims are to overcome the threats to people’s
health created by outbreaks of serious infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or
protozoa. The charity runs several programmes that work with communities around the world to reduce the
extent and impact of the diseases. My role as a volunteer is to help research the various antimicrobial,
anthelmintic, vaccine, immunoglobulin and rehydration therapies being used to treat a range of infectious
diseases so that published information regarding the charity’s work can be kept up to date. I will use my
research to produce a report that evaluates, compares, and describes the different treatment methods and the
suitability, problems, and contraindications to their uses.
Cholera
Antibiotics such as doxycycline, and oral rehydration can be used to treat bacterial diseases such as cholera, in
order to eliminate pathogens such as vibrio cholerae which causes cholera.
Antibiotics
How are Antibiotics Administered ?
Antibiotics such as doxycycline, can be administered in a variety of different ways, this includes.
Orally
The majority of antibiotics are taken orally, this can be in the form of liquid, tablets or capsules. It is vital that
you take antibiotics as exactly prescribed by your doctor or healthcare professional, this includes even if the
illness improves before the treatment is complete. This is because stopping the antibiotics too soon could leave
germs alive, which could cause the infection to recur.
Topically
Antibiotics can also be administered topically this is where they are applied to the skin or eyes in order to treat
and prevent infection, topical antibiotics are available in a variety of forms such as ointments, creams, sprays or
drops.
Intravenously
If you have a serious infection which cannot be treated with oral antibiotics, then doctors and health care
professionals can administer your antibiotics intravenously, this means that they are injected into a vein,
however if you have a more serious infection the injection can be directly administered into the blood or
muscle.
Inhalation
,Antibiotics can be administered by inhaling this can be used to treat infections of the lungs, such as
pneumonia. These antibiotics can be purchased as nebulizers or inhalers.
How do Antibiotics work to treat Cholera?
By interfering with the vital processes of the bacteria, antibiotics such as doxycycline efficiently treat cholera, a
severe diarrheal illness brought on by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Doxycycline primarily interferes with the
bacterium's capacity to synthesise proteins that are essential to its survival by targeting its process of protein
synthesis. Doxycycline suppresses the creation of proteins, which stops Vibrio cholerae from growing and
replicating. This effectively lowers the amount of bacteria present and relieves cholera symptoms. Doxycycline
also reduces the length of diarrhoea, lowering the risk of dehydration and other cholera-related problems.
A different way that antibiotics work is by going after the bacterial energy production process. The bacterial
enzyme that produces ATP, the main source of energy for bacterial cells, is inhibited by antibiotics. Bacterial
cells cannot perform essential metabolic processes without ATP, which results in their death and removal from
the host's intestines. Moreover, certain antibiotics have the direct ability to cause lysis or destroy bacterial
cells. The bacterial cell wall, a rigid structure that gives the bacteria its shape and shields it from external
threats, is compromised by these antibiotics. These antibiotics work by weakening or rupturing the cell wall,
which lets vital cellular components flow out, which eventually kills the bacteria. Antibiotics are important
because they are made to specifically target bacteria without harming the host cells. In order to reduce side
effects and guarantee the safety of antibiotic therapy, this specificity is essential. Antibiotics, however, can
become ineffective against some bacterial strains due to bacterial resistance that arises from their abuse and
overuse.
How might Antibiotics not work in some cases?
The increasing occurrence of antibiotic resistance poses a challenge to the remarkable efficacy of antibiotics in
treating bacterial illnesses. Antibiotics are meant to kill specific types of bacteria, but over time, these germs
have evolved defence mechanisms against the treatments, making them ineffective. Several factors , including
the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human health and agriculture, are to blame for this concerning
trend. Bacteria are exposed to antibiotics more frequently when they are used excessively or inappropriately,
which raises the possibility of resistance developing. Resistance can also result from incomplete or improper
antibiotic administration, such as skipping doses or not finishing the entire course of treatment. To make
matters worse, the widespread use of antibiotics in cattle to treat and prevent diseases promotes the transfer
of germs from animals to people. Because antibiotic resistance can result in longer illnesses, a higher chance of
death, and higher healthcare expenses, it poses a severe danger to public health. A multidimensional strategy
is needed to address this problem, one that includes encouraging the sensible use of antibiotics, creating new
antimicrobial medicines, and educating the public about the significance of antibiotic stewardship.
How relevant are Antibiotics are to cholera, is it available everywhere, are antibiotics suitable for all people
In order to treat cholera, a bacterial infection brought on by Vibrio cholerae, antibiotics are essential.
Antibiotics are not the main treatment for cholera, but in severe cases, they can help decrease the illness's
duration and reduce its severity of symptoms. Azithromycin, doxycycline, and tetracycline are frequently
prescribed antibiotics for the treatment of cholera. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing worry, and access to
antibiotics isn't always assured because it varies globally. In some places, especially developing countries with
underdeveloped healthcare systems, it may be difficult to obtain antibiotics. Moreover, not all patients can
benefit from the usage of various antibiotics due to side effects, allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, and
possible drug interactions. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which
emphasises the significance of appropriate prescription and administration procedures in the fight against
bacterial illnesses such as cholera. In conclusion, public health measures like better sanitation and oral
rehydration therapy are still essential for preventing cholera, but their application
needs to be strategic and informed by global initiatives to improve access and
reduce resistance.
Oral Rehydration
, How is Oral Rehydration Administered?
Oral Rehydration is a specifically blended beverage that includes carbohydrates (like glucose), electrolytes
(including sodium, potassium, and chloride), and water. These components enhance the body's ability to
absorb fluids in the intestines and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
Oral Rehydration can be administered in a variety of different ways, this includes.
Orally
This is how Oral Rehydration is most frequently administered. It can be taken in little, regular sips this may be
100 millilitres every five minutes for an adult or It might be one teaspoon every two minutes for a baby.
Nasogastric tube
This is a little thin tube that is put into the stomach through the nose. If a person is incapable of drinking or
maintaining hydration, this is used.
Commercially prepared Oral Rehydration Solution
Commercially prepared ORS is sold at pharmacies and supermarkets in bottles or packages that have already
been mixed. If preparing at home You can either combine the recommended quantity of ORS powder with
clean, safe water or follow the directions on the packet. When cooking at home, be sure to use the appropriate
amounts of each ingredient. When the ORS solution is ready, it can be taken in often tiny sips. Avoid forcing
excessive amounts of fluid at once, particularly if the patient is throwing up, as gradually replacing fluid losses
is the aim.
How does Oral Rehydration work to treat Cholera including the use of salt, sugar, water to reverse effects of
dehydration?
When treating cholera, a severe diarrheal illness brought on by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, oral rehydration
treatment (ORT) is an essential treatment. Because cholera causes significant fluid and electrolyte loss through
diarrhoea, dehydration can occur quickly. Restoring these vital components is how ORT reverses the
consequences of dehydration. This treatment uses oral rehydration solution (ORS), which is a precisely
balanced mixture of water, sugar, and salt. The salt, which is often sodium chloride, clings to the water
molecules to ensure effective absorption, helping to replenish lost electrolytes like sodium and chloride that
are essential for preserving the body's fluid balance. Adding sugar usually glucose helps the intestines absorb
water and salt by enticing the water into the intestinal tract via a specific transport system. This powerful
combination makes sure the body takes in fluids effectively, making up for the substantial losses resulting from
diarrhoea brought on by cholera. Effective rehydration is possible with ORS when it is gradually administered in
tiny, frequent sips, avoiding overwhelming the digestive system. Not only can ORT treat dehydration, but it also
makes electrolyte balance easier to restore. This makes it an essential tool for managing cholera cases
successfully, especially in settings with limited resources.
How might Oral Rehydration not work in some cases?