Cholera toxin

Cholera toxin is the potent poison produced by Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium behind cholera. Released in the human gut, it hijacks intestinal cells and triggers the massive watery diarrhoea that makes cholera so rapidly deadly through dehydration. Understanding the toxin transformed both treatment — oral rehydration therapy directly counters its effects — and food safety, since the disease spreads through contaminated water and foods. Detecting the organism and its toxin in water supplies, seafood, and fresh produce remains central to preventing outbreaks, especially where sanitation is fragile.