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Diagnosis of Vibrio Cholerae
As part of making a diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae, the doctor will ask about the patient's medical history and will also perform a physical exam to look for signs of cholera. It is possible that the doctor will also look at a stool sample under a microscope in order to make a diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae.
In order to make a diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae, the doctor will ask a number of questions about:
- Current medicines
- Current medical conditions
- Recent history of foods or drinks that have been consumed
- Recent travel history.
The doctor will also perform a physical exam (to look for signs of cholera and fluid loss) as part of making a diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae. If the doctor suspects cholera, he or she will ask for a stool sample.
Looking at a stool sample under a microscope can help the doctor make a diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae (see Pictures of Cholera). If your doctor performs this test, he or she will look for Vibrio cholerae within the stool. The stool sample can also be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD