Prejudice or hijacking the science?

I have not worked on V. cholerae nor have I published any peer reviewed article on cholera (even though one of the chapters in my book is focused on cholera). My interest in cholera and V. cholerae started with some questions on viable but non-culturable state of bacteria. Since some of the research methodologies and the conclusions derived from the experimental results were unconvincing (especially, the role of VBNCs in the outbreak of diseases), it prompted me to read more research articles on cholera, which ultimately convinced me that many of the hypotheses on the ecology of V. cholerae are based on assumptions only and are not supported by scientific data. This has led me to the question: are the climate scientists hijacking science or are they simply prejudiced?

The term ‘climate science’, however, needs some clarification. This blog has nothing to do with the global warming and the subsequent weather changes; in fact my knowledge in these subjects is very meager and hence not competent for any comments. I had focused only on the role of climate and environment on cholera outbreak.

The major ‘climate hypotheses’ with regard to V. cholerae and cholera outbreak are

1. aqautic environment is important in the ecology of V. cholerae

2. cholera outbreaks can be correlated to climatic and environmental factors

3. aquatic environment is the major reservoir for V. cholerae and the outbreaks result from the growth of bacteria in these reservoirs

4. V. cholerae was already present in the aquatic environment of Peru and Haiti before cholera outbreak

5. cholera outbreak in Peru and Haiti resulted from the growth of autochthonous V. cholerae

6. ocean currents can carry V. cholerae from the point of origin to distant geographical locations

7. V. cholerae can remain viable for years so as to be carried to distant places through sea

8. resuscitation of VBNCs during favorable climatic conditions is responsible for the cholera outbreak

9. climatic and environmental factors are the major drivers of cholera outbreaks

With the exception of the first and the second, the above hypotheses are scientifically questionable.

It can be noticed that there have been attempts by some of the climate scientists to ignore or underestimate the human factors in order to project or exaggerate the role of climate in cholera outbreak. This is also evident from the recent cholera outbreak in Haiti. When many of the ‘climate hypotheses’ remain unproved even after decades of research, it is tempting to believe that there is much more than simple prejudice.

The blog on cholera and VBNC is ending here. I will continue the blog with persister bacteria and their role in chronic infections next month.