FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION OF HEMOLYSIN BY STRAINS OF VIBRIO-FLUVIALIS

The in vitro production of haemolysin by Vibrio fluvialis was studied using sheep erythrocyte. The effect of the composition of various medi a and different concentrations of sodium chloride on the production of haemolysin and heat-stability was investigated. Comparatively higher titre of haemolysin production was noted in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. Adding 0.5% NaCl to BHI broth reduced the production of haemol ysin; adding 5.0% NaCl to the medium totally inhibited it. The highest titre of haemolysin was produced at 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C, wh ereas no haemolysin was produced at 50 degrees C. Haemolytic activity was totally destroyed when heated at 56 degrees C for 30 minutes. Haem olysin could be assayed easily following this method.