Registered Sanitarian Practice Test

Cholera is primarily caused by Vibrio cholerae, a type of Vibrio bacteria. This bacterium is characterized by its curved shape and is known for its motility and presence in aquatic environments. The transmission of cholera predominantly occurs through contaminated water sources, which can happen in areas where water sanitation is poor. When ingested, Vibrio cholerae can produce severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including profuse diarrhea and dehydration, leading to serious health complications if not treated promptly.

Other bacteria listed, such as Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacter jejuni, are associated with different illnesses. Salmonella typhi is known to cause typhoid fever, Staphylococcus aureus can lead to food poisoning and skin infections, and Campylobacter jejuni is commonly linked to gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, understanding that cholera is specifically linked to Vibrio cholerae helps differentiate it from these other bacterial infections.