Cholera trends in 2023 and 2024: A hospital-based cross-sectional retrospective study from a tertiary care center in New Delhi, India.

Sarjana Shuchi; Chavini K. Shaozae; Kripa Tony; preeti  thakur

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2525

Authors

Sarjana Shuchi Senior resident, Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Chavini K. Shaozae Junior resident, Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Kripa Tony Junior resident, Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Preeti Thakur Associate professor, Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2525

Keywords:

Cholera, V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa, antibiotic susceptibility testing, demographic details

Abstract

Background:

Among Asian countries, the Indian subcontinent is the major contributor of cholera cases, but the actual global burden is still unknown. The study assessed cholera cases at a tertiary care center in New Delhi (2023–2024), including their seasonal trends, strain types, antibiotic susceptibility, and patient demographics.

Materials and methods:

Stool samples of the suspected cholera patients were included, irrespective of the age of the patient, for the years 2023 and 2024. Samples were processed according to standard protocol, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done for V. cholerae-positive isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results:

For the years 2023 and 2024, 35 and 99 laboratory-confirmed cases of V. cholerae occurred, respectively. In both years, cases were clustered in a specified area of Central Delhi. In 2023, the maximum number of cases was seen in the age group of >18 to 65, while in 2024, >5 to 18 years age group had the maximum number of cases. For both years, the summer season was majorly hit by cholera cases. All the isolates from both years were V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor serotype, Ogawa. A decline in antibiotic resistance was seen for all the tested antibiotics from 2023 to 2024. The resistance rate was lowest for tetracycline and was almost similar for both years. The highest resistance was noted against cotrimoxazole in both years.

Conclusion:

India, being the largest contributor to cholera cases, needs access to safe drinking water, maintenance of hygiene and sanitation, building up good laboratory facilities, and a systemic surveillance system, which are key elements for achieving cholera elimination by 2030.

Recommendation:

To strengthen preventive and control measures to reduce cholera transmission, particularly in high-risk urban slum areas, continuous antimicrobial resistance surveillance and rational use of antibiotics should be enforced.

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