Clinical profile of Cholera cases in Yavatmal District, Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction- Outbreak of Cholera still remains major public health problem in most of the developing countries including India. Clinical profile of cholera was studied in Patients attending tertiary care hospital situated in tribal area of Central India, Yavatmal.

Methods: Type of study- Descriptive cross-sectional. Study Duration - 2 months (June - July 2012). Study setting- Inpatient Department of S. V. N. Govt. Medical College, Yavatmal (Maharashtra). Study subjects- All cholera patients attending S. V. N. Govt. Medical College Yavatmal (Maharashtra) with the complaints of acute watery diarrhoea. Study variables- Detailed clinical profile of these cases was noted along with other relevant environmental history.

Results-Out of a total 377 cases of acute watery diarrhoea, 13 isolates were positive for cholera. All the isolates were V. cholera 01 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa.  46.2%   of cases were below 5 years of age, the two youngest children being 1.5 years old. Both the sexes were equally affected. 61.5% cases had duration of diarrhoea more than 24 hours. Overall living and hygienic conditions of all the patients were poor. However all patients responded to intravenous fluids, oral rehydration and antibiotics (Doxycycline) within 24-48 hours without any mortality.

Interpretation & conclusions: This study reflects the cases infected with 01 El Tor Ogawa  with severe and critical clinical features in Yavatmal district causing high morbidity in the form of severe dehydration and peripheral circulatory collapse which requires early, correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.