Question

Vibrio cholerae causes cholera in humans. Ganga water was once used successfully to combat the infection. The possible reason could be-
A) High salt content of Ganga water
B) Low salt concentration of Ganga water
C) Presence of bacteriophage in Ganga water
D) Presence of antibiotics in Ganga water

Answer 1

Vibrio cholera is a bacteria and bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, so possibly Ganga water may contain antibiotics which would treat the disease.

Complete Answer:
Cholera is an infectious disease which induces watery diarrhea, it may lead to severe dehydration and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating contaminated food or drinking water contaminated by feces from an infected person. It is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. The causes of cholera may include municipal water supplies, edibles sold by unhygienic street vendors, vegetables grown with contaminated water, raw or undercooked seafood produced in polluted waters.
The symptoms include rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, loss of skin elasticity, thirst, muscle cramps, and dry mucous membranes including the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and eyelids.
If left untreated, dehydration can lead to shock and death in a matter of hours.
Antibiotics-
An antibiotic is an antimicrobial substance having actions against bacteria. Antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. It is considered to be the most important type of antibacterial substance for fighting against bacterial infections. Antibiotics either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are of no use against viruses such as the common cold or influenza.

Thus, the correct answer is- D. Presence of antibiotics in Ganga water.

Note: The bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae could be treated by water of Ganga due to presence of antibiotics. It should not be practised anymore as numerous antibiotic resistant bacteria have been found in the river water.