Which statement about cholera treatment is true?

• A. They play a supportive role; fluids are primary
• B. They are the first-line therapy alongside fluids
• C. They are the mainstay treatment themselves without fluids
• D. They are never used in cholera

Answer: (A)

Cholera treatment centers on replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. The deadly part of the illness is dehydration from the profuse watery diarrhea, so rapid rehydration is the primary lifesaving step. Antibiotics can help by shortening the illness and lowering stool output, but they are used as an adjunct to rehydration, not as the main therapy. This is why the statement that antibiotics play a supportive role while fluids are the primary treatment is the true one.

In practice, mild to moderate dehydration is managed with oral rehydration solutions, while severe dehydration requires prompt intravenous fluids and electrolyte correction, with antibiotics added in specific situations (such as severe cases or outbreaks) to hasten recovery. Zinc is also important for children, and antidiarrheal agents are generally avoided in cholera.

The other options aren’t correct because they imply antibiotics are the main therapy, used as first-line alongside fluids, or that they’re never used—none of which aligns with how cholera is actually treated.