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World J Clin Cases. Jul 16, 2013; 1(4): 140-142
Published online Jul 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i4.140
Zinc: Role in the management of diarrhea and cholera
M Imran Qadir, Arfa Arshad, Bashir Ahmad
M Imran Qadir, Arfa Arshad, College of Pharmacy, GC University, 38000 Faisalabad, Pakistan
Bashir Ahmad, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, 60000 Multan, Pakistan
Author contributions: Qadir MI designed the research; Ahmad B analyzed the data; Arshad A wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: M Imran Qadir, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, GC University, Jinnah Town, 38000 Faisalabad, Pakistan. mrimranqadir@hotmail.com
Telephone: +92-301-6515613 Fax: +92-301-6515613
Received: January 23, 2013
Revised: May 30, 2013
Accepted: June 8, 2013
Published online: July 16, 2013
Abstract

Diarrhea and cholera are major health problems. Vibrio cholera, the causative agent of cholera, infects the small intestine, resulting in vomiting, massive watery diarrhea and dehydration. Reduced water and electrolyte absorption is also due to zinc deficiency. Zinc has an important role in recovery from the disease. The combination of zinc with cholera vaccine and oral rehydration solutions has a positive impact on cholera and diarrhea. It has led to a decrease in the mortality and morbidity associated with diarrhea.

Keywords: Diarrhea, Cholera, Vibrio cholera, Zinc, Oral rehydration solutions

Core tip: In diarrhea and cholera, reduced water and electrolyte absorption is due to zinc deficiency. Therefore, zinc has an important role in recovery from the symptoms. The use of zinc with cholera vaccine and oral rehydration solutions has been shown to affect positive impacts in cholera and diarrhea.