Which disease is associated with Vibrio cholerae?

• A. Diphtheria
• B. Anthrax
• C. Cholera
• D. Tuberculosis

Answer: (C)

Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium that causes cholera, a diarrheal illness characterized by sudden, profuse watery diarrhea and severe dehydration. The disease stems from the cholera toxin, which triggers massive secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen by increasing cAMP in intestinal cells, producing the hallmark fluid loss. Transmission is mainly through contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation, so outbreaks are common in such settings. Treatment centers on rapid rehydration and electrolyte replacement, with antibiotics used selectively to shorten illness in some cases. Other options refer to diseases caused by different pathogens—diphtheria, anthrax, and tuberculosis—so the association with Vibrio cholerae is specific to cholera.