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Turning the tables on the cholera pathogen

Researchers have developed a probiotic intervention that suppresses Vibrio cholerae colonization in the intestinal tract and detects its presence through stool sampling. The approach leverages Lactococcus lactis to create an inhospitable environment for V. cholerae and incorporates synthetic gene circuits to sense secreted signals from...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

AI detects patterns of gut microbes for cholera risk

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to identify patterns within human gut bacteria that predict susceptibility to cholera. The study found that a set of 100 microbes associated with the disease can be predicted by AI, potentially leading to improved vaccines and preventive approaches.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 7, 2018

Running rings around cholera outbreaks

A study modeling cholera epidemics suggests that targeting vaccine and other interventions to areas around existing cholera cases is an effective way to control outbreaks. The results indicate that oral cholera vaccine is the most effective intervention, with a radius of 70-100 meters being optimal for administration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Cholera hotspots found at Uganda's borders and lakes

Researchers have identified 22 high-risk districts in Uganda where cholera outbreaks are more likely due to proximity to international borders and bodies of water. These districts are recommended for strengthened collaboration with neighboring countries to control the spread of cholera.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 28, 2017

Charting the course of the current cholera pandemic throughout Africa and Latin America

Researchers analyzed genomic data to identify the source of the seventh cholera pandemic, linking it to human-related transmission factors. The study found that the pandemic strain was introduced into Africa at least 11 times since 1970, replacing drug-susceptible populations with multidrug-resistant bacterial sublineages.

New method helps compare cholera vaccine costs

Researchers developed a standardized approach to analyze full costs of cholera vaccines in developing countries, revealing significant variability in costs. The analysis showed vaccine delivery costs ranging from $0.36 to $6.32 per person vaccinated, with procurement costs varying between $0.29 and $29.70.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 8, 2016

Cameroon's cholera outbreaks vary by climate region

Researchers discovered that cholera follows distinct outbreak patterns in different climate subzones of Cameroon, with varying relationships between rainfall, temperature, and disease transmission. Locally targeted interventions are necessary to control the spread of the disease, according to the study's findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 17, 2016

Using cellphone data to study the spread of cholera

Researchers at EPFL used mobile phone records to reconstruct the spread of a cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2005, revealing critical roles of human mobility patterns and sanitation infrastructure. The study's findings highlight measures to improve sanitation at transmission hotspots as key to reducing future outbreak progression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

One dose or 2? Cholera vaccination strategies

A new modeling study suggests that a single dose of cholera vaccine could be as effective as the traditional two-dose regimen in preventing deaths. The researchers estimate that a one-dose campaign reaching half the population would have averted over 78,000 cases and prevented 738 deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 25, 2015

The Lancet: First real-life trial finds oral cholera vaccine protects against endemic disease and could speed up global control efforts

A real-life trial in urban Bangladesh shows that oral cholera vaccine is safe and effective in reducing severe cholera cases by nearly 40% among vaccinated individuals. The vaccine's success lends support to its use in routine mass vaccination programs, particularly in endemic countries where clean water and sanitation are scarce.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 8, 2015

Early warning system for epidemics

A new software architecture developed by Fraunhofer IOSB enables the visualization of complex relationships between environmental factors and health data on risk maps, leading to a better understanding of cholera epidemic processes. This allows for faster and more effective response measures.

Pioneering use of oral cholera vaccine during outbreak

A mass vaccination campaign of over 300,000 people in Guinea demonstrated the feasibility of using an oral cholera vaccine during a cholera outbreak. The campaign achieved high coverage rates and was well accepted by the local community.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 17, 2013

The genetic key to conquering cholera

A team of Harvard scientists has identified genetic areas in the genome that may help protect against cholera by regulating immune system functions and fluid loss. The study's findings suggest a new approach to understanding host immunity and developing vaccines and therapies for this deadly disease.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 19, 2013

50-year cholera mystery solved

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have uncovered the mechanism behind V. cholerae's resistance to human immune responses. The discovery could lead to the development of a new class of antibiotics that target the bacteria's defenses, rather than directly killing them.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2012

New study: Cholera in Haiti tracked more rapidly by social media than traditional methods

A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that internet-based news and Twitter feeds were faster at detecting the onset and progression of the cholera epidemic in post-earthquake Haiti. Researchers used HealthMap, an internet tool, to capture coverage and mentions of cholera from various sources.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJan 9, 2012