ECOLOGY AND TOXIGENICITY OF VIBRIO CHOLERAE NON-O1 ISOLATED FROM TROPICAL RIVER WATER

Seasonal variation in distribution of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and other indicator organisms in Gomati River water along with pH, temperature and percent transmittance was determined for a period of one year. The increased incidence of V. cholerae non-O1 was observed in sewagecontaminated water during warmer months. A significant correlation was found among the heterotrophs, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. Of the test strains isolated during summer and monsoon (March-October), 12% showed hemolysin production, while 52%were found to cause fluid accumulation in suckling mice. The isolates also exhibited highest resistance for ampicillin.