[The interrelationships between Vibrio cholerae and the infusorian Tetrahymena pyriformis]

The results of the study of interaction between V. cholerae of different virulence and T. pyriformis are presented. The study has revealed the heterogeneity of V. cholerae population: alongside easily phagocytized vibrios, there are vibrios resistant to the digestive action of T. pyriformis. An increase in the number of V. cholerae in association with T. pyriformis has been evaluated, taking into account the selective multiplication of vibrios resistant to phagocytosis. The data on changes in the agglutinative, phagolytic and virulent properties of V. cholerae cultivated together with T. pyriformis are presented. The suggestion has been made that protozoa can function as hosts of pathogenic vibrios supporting their existence in water.