MODIFIED CULTURE METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF VIBRIO SPP FROM ESTUARINE WATERS

The purpose of this study was to improve and speed up the isolation an d recovery of Vibrio spp, from water using modifications; of the curre ntly used culture techniques, Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts (TCBS) an d Alkaline Peptone Salt Broth (APSB) media were modified by the additi on of NaCl and Tris buffer, None of the modifications had a negative e ffect on the recovery of Vibrio spp, when compared to the unmodified m edia, The modifications giving the best results were 3% and 6% NaCl an d Tris buffer 0.05 M at pH 8.4, Under these conditions, the background microflora was drastically reduced in both TCBS and APSB making the d etection of the target colonies extremely easy. The presence; of sulfu r-producing microorganisms was reduced and in most cases completely el iminated. The use of a more selective medium also allows for an easier application of molecular techniques, Colony hybridizations are easily done, since the growth of interfering microorganisms is reduced. Thes e studies are being expanded to include the detection of V. cholerae 0 1 and non-01 in waters from Latin American countries affected by the c holera epidemic.