Scanning electron microscope observation of the swarming phenomenon of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the production of lateral flagella and the swarming phenomenon in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Differences in the size and diameter of the sheathed, polar flagellum and lateral flagella were apparent in these preparations. Swarming of V. parahaemolyticus was found to be similar to the swarming of Proteus spp. in that swarm cells which are heavily flagellated and elongated are formed.