BIOL 2299 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Adenylyl Cyclase, Cholera Toxin, Ganges Delta
17 Aug 2017
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In endemic areas many individuals carry immunity to cholera because they have been previously infected: the organisms cause occasional epidemics in areas where it is endemic and has caused a series of pandemics around the world. Since outside the endemic areas, immunity is low, the epidemic can hit with particular force: strains of v. cholerae can be identified by various tests of the type used to classify bacteria. These include tests using antisera against surface markers. These antisera are developed by injecting whole cells or parts of cells into animals (usually rabbits) that then produce antibodies. The antibody/antigen reaction can be measured and used to type strains: the paper we will discuss on monday uses dna sequencing as a more definitive way to classify strains. This was important to establish the source of the haiti epidemic: even during an epidemic, many individuals who are exposed do not get sick.
