Thermal Shock in a New Vibrio Phage.

Abstract

1. The phenomenon of “Thermal Shock” is described. Phage, which was partially inactivated by heating at 60°C for 0.5 hour, showed further inactivation when plunged into an ice bath (2°C). 2. Temperature and time conditions of heating to prepare the phage for inactivation by “Thermal Shock” have been defined. 3. Evidence is presented that “Thermal Shock” is a result of change in the physiological state of the phage particle brought about by pre-heating and does not involve a masked reactivation.