Transient hyperinfectivity of certain cholera strains could have implications in its spread during epidemics.
Example species: Vibrio cholerae O1 Inaba El Tor (El Tor = town in Egypt)
Features of hyperinfectivity:
(1) The bacteria has recently been passed from the gastrointestinal tract.
(2) The bacteria is more easily transmitted with lower infectious dose (low ID50) soon after passage.
(3) The infectivity decreases after several hours in the environment.
(4) It may be related to phenotypic changes that occur when the organism is in a biofilm.
In theory holding water for a few hours would make it safer to drink, even without other interventions.
This can be important since:
(1) exposure to hyperinfective bacteria may fuel an epidemic.
(2) disruption of biofilms may help to control spread
(3) it underlies the need for safe water and proper hygiene
