How does cholera happen?

The bacterium Vibrio cholera causes an infection. The toxin released by the bacteria binds to intestinal cells, where it is brought into the intestinal cells through endocytosis. The toxin then triggers the release of Cl- and HCO3- ions from the cell into the intestine. Therefore, water leaves the intestinal cells due to osmosis (they follow the region of higher solute concentration) and the cells become dehydrated. Due to excess water in the intestine there is watery diarrhea. To replace the water loss, water is drawn from the blood into the cells, but this can lead to serious dehydration of the individual and lead to death.