Isolation of bacteriophage infectious for Vibrio vulnificus

Nine phage isolates infectious for Vibrio vulnificus and falling into four morphological groups were isolated from estuarine waters collected in Louisiana. Of the 60 V. vulnificus strains tested, 87% were susceptible to one or more of the isolates. With the exception of V. fluvialis, Vibrio species other than vulnificus were resistant to infection. A spectrum of enteric bacterial strains were similarly resistant. Susceptibility differences were seen between opaque (virulent) V. vulnificus strains and those with translucent (nonvirulent) colony types, with the former being more susceptible. Susceptibility patterns to infection by the nine phage isolates among the V. vulnificus test strains suggest that the latter may fall into several groups. Other aspects relating to the phage isolates are presented.