resulting in acidosis and hypokalemia
Tests: Stool cultures showed Vibrio cholerae
Diagnosis: V. Cholerae infection causing gastroenteritis
Treatment: doxycycline or tetracycline
Remarks: Infection with V. Cholerae can range from mild symptoms of diarrhea to severe and fatal diarrhea from dehydration and hypovolemic shock. The infection has a 60 percent mortality rate if untreated, but less than 1 percent if treated. Symptoms usually appear 2 days after infection. It may resolve on its own in a few days if not severe. Treatment with fluid and electrolyte replacement is primary, with antibiotics secondary.
Patient profile: 73-year-old male admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties, chest pain, chills, fever of several days duration. Headache and productive cough began 1 week prior to admission. Patient smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for
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