title: Genetic Screens and Biochemical Assays to CharacterizeVibrio choleraeO1 Biotypes: Classical and El Tor.
abstract: Vibrio choleraeserogroup O1 has two biotypes, classical and El Tor, the latter of which has displaced the prior and has been the causative agent for the ongoing seventh pandemic. However, reports since 2001 have identified clinical isolates of El Tor that have classical O1 biotype genetic and phenotypic characteristics. These El Tor variants have been emerging in clinical settings with increased frequency, including the 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti. The emergence of El Tor variants warrants the proper and timely identification of clinical (or environmental) isolates' biotype. This unit describes some quick and simple genetic screens and phenotypic assays (biochemical characterization), to be performed simultaneously, commonly used to distinguish biotype and initiate characterization of any clinical (or environmental) isolates ofVibrio choleraeO1.
authors.affiliation: Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire.
authors.forename: Mike S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Son
authors.affiliation: Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire.
authors.forename: Ronald K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Taylor
keywords: Biochemical characterization; Classical biotype; El Tor biotype; Genetic screens; Vibrio cholerae O1