Properties of the cholera phage PL 163/10

Acta Virologica
|May 1, 1975
PubMed

Insights

This study characterizes Vibrio cholerae phage PL 163/10, detailing its plaque formation, stability, and inactivation kinetics. The phage exhibits resistance to various agents but is sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate, with specific growth and structural properties identified.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Vibrio cholerae is a significant human pathogen.
  • Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are potential therapeutic agents.
  • Characterizing specific bacteriophages is crucial for understanding their properties and potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the physical and biological properties of Vibrio cholerae phage PL 163/10.
  • To determine the stability, inactivation parameters, and growth characteristics of the phage.
  • To investigate the phage's resistance profile and morphology.

Main Methods:

  • Plaque assays on V. cholerae OGAWA 154.
  • Stability testing across a pH range and thermal inactivation studies.
  • In vitro resistance assays against various chemical and enzymatic agents.
  • Adsorption, intracellular growth, and burst size determination.
  • Electron microscopy for morphological analysis.

Main Results:

  • Phage PL 163/10 formed clear plaques (1-4 mm) with halos.
  • The phage was stable between pH 6-11 and showed thermal inactivation with specific half-lives at elevated temperatures.
  • It was resistant to multiple agents including bile salts, enzymes, and buffers, but sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate.
  • Biphasic adsorption, an eclipse period of 13 min, latent period of 31 min, rise period of 29 min, and burst size of ~10 PFU/cell were observed.
  • The phage has a hexagonal head (106 ± 18 x 740 ± 27 Å) and lacks a tail structure.

Conclusions:

  • Vibrio cholerae phage PL 163/10 possesses distinct biological and physical characteristics.
  • Its stability and resistance profile suggest potential for specific applications.
  • The phage's unique morphology and growth parameters provide insights into its replication cycle.

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