Rapid spread of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor variant in Odisha, Eastern India, in 2008 and 2009.

ABSTRACT

The emergence and spread of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor variant strains causing severe diarrhea has been witnessed worldwide in recent years. In the state of Odisha, India, the spread of the V. cholerae O1 El Tor variant strains was studied during outbreaks in 2008 and 2009. Analysis of 194 V. cholerae O1 Ogawa strains revealed that V. cholerae O1 El Tor variant strains are spreading gradually throughout the state, causing outbreaks replacing typical V. cholerae O1 El Tor biotype strains.