Final answer:
Cholera involves osmosis in the way water is drawn into the intestinal lumen due to the actions of the cholera toxin, resulting in severe dehydration through profuse diarrhea.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cholera and osmosis are closely linked through the mechanism by which the Vibrio cholerae bacterium causes dehydration in the infected host. When V. cholerae reaches the intestines, it secretes an enterotoxin that influences the adenylate cyclase pathway, increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This surge in cAMP activates chloride channels, leading to chloride ions being pumped into the intestinal lumen. Consequently, the osmotic pressure within the lumen increases, pulling water out of the body's cells and into the lumen via osmosis.
This loss of water and electrolytes through osmosis results in the rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance characteristic of cholera, creating the 'rice water stool' diarrhea. Treatment for cholera often includes intravenous fluids to combat this intense dehydration, showcasing the vital importance of understanding osmosis in managing the disease. Supporting this, outbreaks of cholera are common in areas where clean water and sanitation are compromised, as the bacterium is transmitted primarily through contaminated drinking water.