WATERBORN OUTBREAK OF VIBRIO CHOLERAE O1 OGAWA

IN WADH AREA OF BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To isolate the etiological agent of severe diarrheal outbreak,
identification, antibiogram of isolated agent and preventive measures to control the spread of infection. Design:
Samples of stool and drinking water supply of affected area collected in Cary- Blair transport medium, inoculated on
various media. The isolated strains were identified as responsible for diarrheal outbreak tested against antibiotics. The
strain and antibiogram was further confirmed by Agha Khan University Hospital Laboratory in Karachi. Setting: Bolan
Medical College Hospital, Quetta. Main outcome measures: Isolation of Vibrio cholerae O1, Ogawa, El Tor,
antibiogram against isolated strain, and control of spread of infection. Results: The etiological agent responsible for
severe diarrheal disease outbreak was Vibrio cholerae O1, Ogawa El Tor. in which 148 persons affected including all
ages and both sexes. Four deaths (2.7%) reported out of these affected patients. The isolated strain was same in all
patients and water source. Susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs was determined showing sensitivity to Ampicillin,
Choloramphenicol, Ofloxacin, Tetracycline, Nalidixic Acid , Gentamycin and resistance to Polymaxin B, and Cotrimaxazole.
The drinking source of water was a shallow well which was sealed and alternative arrangements of
drinking water were made from another source. Conclusion: Vibrio cholerae O1, Ogawa El Tor, strains were isolated
as etiological agent for severe diarrheal disease outbreak, which was spread through drinking water. The source of
drinking water was contaminated due to rain in this area. The isolated strain was most common pathogen in this area
for severe diarrheal disease outbreaks, and mostly it spreads through contamination of water source. The strategy
applied for prevention of disease was successful and no further case was reported.