New cholera detection could save thousands

Scientists from University of Central Florida have developed a technique to help detect cholera toxins in water sources.

The study appears in the journal Bioconjugate Chemistry.

In the test, a sugar dexitran was applied to iron oxide nanoparticles, which looks similar to the cholera toxin receptor (GM1).

If the cholera toxin is present, the toxin will bind to the nanoparticles' dextran.

J. Manuel Perez, assistant professor of UCF, says the technique could someday be used as a treatment for someone infected with cholera.

Both dextran and iron oxide are commonly used in treating patients. Iron oxide nanoparticles are for anemia and improving anatomical imaging and dextran is often used to prevent blood clots anticoagulant and traumatic shock.

The technique is faster and cheaper than the one currently available.

The instrument could be the size of a handheld calculator, convenient for relief workers or food screeners to use in the field.

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe.

Over 3,000 Haitian have been killed by cholera since the earthquake a year ago, and worse WHO warned that the outbreak has not yet reached its peak.

An estimated 3-5 million cases of cholera and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world.

Stephen Lau and editing by Aimee Keenan-greene