Characteristics of Vibrio cholera 0139 strains isolated in Sevagram (Maharashtra) during April-August 1993.

A total of 44 strains of Vibrio 0139 serotype isolated between April and August 1993 at Sevagram (Wardha) were examined for expression of a number of biochemical and physiological characteristics. All strains fermented lactose within 24 h and belonged to Heiberg group III. Salt tolerance to 8 per cent NaCl was seen in 22.72 per cent strains. Haemolysis of sheep RBCs and haemagglutination of human 'O', chicken and rabbit RBCs was consistently positive. All the strains were sensitive to tetracycline and resistant to polymyxin B and cotrimoxazole.