Which clinical feature is characteristic of Vibrio cholera infection?

Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium responsible for cholera, a disease primarily characterized by its significant impact on the gastrointestinal system. The clinical feature that stands out in cholera infection is sudden onset effortless vomiting, which is often accompanied by profuse, watery diarrhea.

This vomiting can contribute to rapid fluid loss, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The nature of the vomiting in cholera is often described as being "projectile" due to the large volume of fluids being expelled, which is a direct result of the body's attempt to rid itself of the toxins produced by the bacteria. In cholera cases, this feature is distinct and often happens alongside the characteristic rice-water stools, highlighting the severity and rapid progression of the illness.

Other features often associated with V. cholerae, such as fever, are not typically present or are mild; therefore, they do not serve as central characteristics of the infection. Intestinal obstruction does not occur, as cholera leads to an increased output of water rather than a blockage. Similarly, while some patients may experience diarrhea that appears severe, the term "hemorrhagic diarrhea" is more characteristic of different enteric infections like those caused by certain strains of E. coli or Shigella