NewsCenter

UB Expert

Terry Connell

Expertise:

• Cholera, E. coli, enterotoxins, gram-negative bacteria, iron, nucleotides, microbial pathogenesis, vaccines and virulence

  Of the cholera bacterium, Connell says: The pathogen is difficult to acquire if routine sanitary conditions are maintained, i.e., if drinking water is properly treated and if human waste is properly disposed. Furthermore, the number of bacteria which have to be swallowed (the normal route of entry is oral) to initiate a productive infection is fairly high. The disease, if acquired, is easily treated with a number of antibiotics, and the most overt symptom (severe diarrhea) is ameliorated by rehydration therapy (intravenous application of isotonic saline solutions, if possible, or by imbibing appropriate rehydration solutions if IV treatment is unavailable).

In light of discussions of germ warfare and bioterrorism following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and their aftermath, Connell says cholera's main use as a bioweapon would be its psychological impact; people are very frightened when they hear the word "cholera." Connell is open to talking to reporters but with the emphasis on treatment of disease. He is leery about people misunderstanding the need to have cholera bacteria in his lab.