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Laboratory Techniques Used to Maintain and Differentiate Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae Clinical and Environmental Isolates
07:58

Laboratory Techniques Used to Maintain and Differentiate Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae Clinical and Environmental Isolates

Published on: May 30, 2017

Production of Bacteriophage-Associated Materials by Vibrio cholerae: Possible Correlation with Pathogenicity

C Parker1, S H Richardson, W R Romig

  • 1Department of Bacteriology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024.

Infection and Immunity
|April 1, 1970
PubMed

Insights

Researchers investigated Vibrio cholerae strains for bacteriophage production and pathogenicity. A strong correlation was found between bacteriophage-related material and the ability of Vibrio cholerae to cause disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Pathogen Research

Background:

  • Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, exists in various strains, including Classical and El Tor.
  • Understanding the factors contributing to Vibrio cholerae pathogenicity is crucial for disease control.
  • Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, have been implicated in bacterial virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the production of bacteriophage or bacteriophage-related material in Classical and El Tor strains of Vibrio cholerae.
  • To assess the pathogenicity of these Vibrio cholerae strains using an animal model.
  • To determine any correlation between bacteriophage production and pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy was used to examine mitomycin C-induced cultures of Vibrio cholerae for bacteriophage production.
  • Pathogenicity testing was performed using the ligated ileal loop model in adult rabbits.
  • Bacteriophage-related material, specifically tail structures, was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Out of 27 Vibrio cholerae strains tested, 25 demonstrated a correlation between the production of bacteriophage-related material and pathogenicity.
  • Both pathogenic (P(+)) and non-pathogenic (P(-)) strains were found to produce bacteriophage tails.
  • The bacteriophage tails from specific strains (569B, ATCC 9168) exhibited an extended form with distinct tail appendages.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage-related material production is strongly associated with the pathogenicity of Vibrio cholerae strains.
  • Bacteriophage tails are produced by both pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains, suggesting a complex role in virulence.
  • Further research into the specific functions of these bacteriophage tails may elucidate mechanisms of Vibrio cholerae pathogenesis.

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