Presumptive identification of Vibrio species with H antiserum

Species in the genus Vibrio exhibit flagellar (H) antigens unique to the species. Thus, species-specific H antiserum could be a valuable reagent with which to screen serologically large numbers of Vibrio isolates. Antisera against V. cholerae, V. fluvialis, V. anguillarum, V. metschnikovii, V. parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, and V. vulnificus H antigens was produced in rabbits by repeated injections of Formalin-preserved whole cells. Anti-O activity and anti-H activity against common H antigens was absorbed from each antiserum, V. fluvialis was shown to possess an H antigen unique to the species and also to share minor H antigens with V. cholerae, V. metschnikovii, and V. anguillarum. V. vulnificus also exhibits a species-unique H antigen. A comprehensive serological screening system based on species-specific H antiserum was developed to identify pathogenic Vibrio species one step beyond primary isolation. Vibrio species were correctly identified with accuracies ranging from 93 to 100%. Some isolates were either nonmotile or poorly so and thus did not flocculate in H antiserum.