Vibrio cholerae, bacteria that is the cause of cholera in humans. Cholera is an acute infection of the small intestines causing severe vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration. Dehydration may result in rapid death. The bacterium is a water born pathogen, transmitted to humans through drinking water contaminated by human or animal feces. Outbreaks of cholera are associated with poor sanitary conditions and often occur in epidemic proportions. Illustration.