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 collecte d in Louisiana. Of the 60 V. vulnificus strains tested, 87% were susce ptible to one or more of the isolates, With the exception of V. fluvia lis, Vibrio species other than vulnificus were resistant to infection. A spectrum of enteric bacterial strains were similarly resistant, Sus ceptibility differences were seen between opaque (virulent) V. Vulnifi cus strains and those with translucent (nonvirulent) colony types, wit h the former being more susceptible. Susceptibility patterns to infect ion by the nine phage isolates among the V. vulnificus test strains su ggest that the latter may fall into several groups. Other aspects rela ting to the phage isolates are presented.