Researchers discover resistance to cholera

Researchers discover genes with resistance to cholera

07/05/2013

Researchers at Harvard University discovered genes that have natural resistance to cholera. Like Elinor Karlsson and her team in the trade magazine „Science Translational Medicine“ In the course of time, resistance has developed in the historical, geographical center of the disease in the Ganges Delta, as the population has been in contact with the pathogens for thousands of years.

Resistance to cholera developed in the course of evolution
For their study, the researchers analyzed the genome of 42 randomly selected families in Bangladesh. They discovered resistance genes against cholera. For the people who lived along the Ganges-Detas, resistance had been an advantage in evolution, the researchers report. They have been threatened by cholera pathogens for thousands of years, as the region has the historical-geographical origin of the disease. Over time, resistance to cholera has developed.

„Our findings shed light on the genetic basis of cholera resistance in the Ganges Delta population and present a promising approach for identifying genetic factors that influence susceptibility to infectious diseases“, the researchers write. The findings could also drive the development of vaccines and therapies.

Every year, between three and five million people worldwide contract cholera. The disease is one of the serious infectious diseases that, if left untreated, can lead to the death of the person affected. Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is usually taken up in faecal contaminated drinking water or food. The pathogen infects the small intestine and leads to severe diarrhea and severe vomiting. As a result, a lack of fluid in the body can result, which leads to dehydration and loss of electrolyte. Patients should therefore drink plenty of fluids, sugar and salt. In severe disease courses, the intake of an antibiotic is necessary. (Ag)

Image: Sebastian Karkus