Induction of temperate vibriophage Φ KNM4 from the environmental non O1 Vibrio cholerae by various biotic and abiotic agents.

Linda L; Jeena A; Sarita G. B

Volume : III, Issue : VI, June - 2014

Induction of temperate vibriophage Φ KNM4 from the environmental non O1 Vibrio cholerae by various biotic and abiotic agents.

Linda L, Jeena A, Sarita G. B

Abstract :

Bacteriophages are viruses infecting bacterial hosts. Phages are metabolically inert in their extra-cellular form, reproducing only after infecting suitable host. While providing a valuable resource to the development of modern biotechnology, their ability to mobilize and transfer toxin genes in the environment is viewed with concern. Environmental samples were collected from mangrove ecosystems of Kannamally track off Cochin. Viios isolated from the water samples on TCBS plates and characterized using biochemical and molecular tools, were used as host for phage isolation by the enrichment technique. Prophage was induced by means of different biotic and abiotic agents viz. mitomycin C, nalidixic acid, NaCl, H2O2, ultraviolet radiation and temperature (60oC). The results presented in this report clearly indicate that different prophages may be induced with different efficiency and their development may be modulated by environmental factors.