Question

Which Vibrio species is the most halophilic (most salt tolerant)?

• A. V. cholerae
• B. V. vulnificus
• C. V. alginolyticus
• D. V. parahaemolyticus

Hint:

Think of the vibrio that tolerates the highest salt, around 10 percent NaCl.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Halophilic vibrios need added sodium chloride for growth and tolerate high salt concentrations. Among the medically relevant species, the degree of salt tolerance varies, and the question asks for the one that survives in the highest salt content.

Step 2: Vibrio alginolyticus is the most halophilic of the vibrios. It can grow in media containing up to 10 percent sodium chloride, which is higher than the other species listed.

Step 3: Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus are halophilic too but tolerate less salt (roughly up to 8 percent). Vibrio cholerae is non-halophilic and grows without added salt, so it is the least salt tolerant of the group.

Step 4: Therefore the most salt tolerant species is V. alginolyticus.