El Tor

El Tor is a particular strain of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. Also known as Vibrio cholerae O1 biovar El Tor, it is named after the El Tor quarantine camp in Sinai where it was first identified in 1905.

History

The El Tor strain was first identified by a German physician, Emil von Behring, in 1905 at the El Tor quarantine camp in Sinai. It was later found to be the dominant strain in the seventh cholera pandemic, which began in Indonesia in 1961 and spread globally over the following years.

Characteristics

El Tor differs from the classic strain of Vibrio cholerae in a number of ways. It is generally less virulent, but it has a longer incubation period and carries a higher rate of asymptomatic carriers, which can make outbreaks more difficult to control. The El Tor strain also survives longer in the environment, which can contribute to its spread.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for cholera caused by the El Tor strain is the same as for other forms of cholera: rehydration, either orally or intravenously, is the primary treatment. Antibiotics can also be used to reduce the duration of the illness. Vaccination is available and can provide protection for up to two years.

See Also

• Cholera
• Vibrio cholerae
• Emil von Behring

References

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