Re-examination of small intestinal disposal of Vibrio cholerae in mice.

The rapid disposal of antibody-treated vibrios by peristalsis in whole animal models makes it difficult to obtain clear evidence for a simultaneous intra-intestinal bactericidal effect. In this paper we have re-examined the evidence for direct intra-intestinal killing. We have found that the data can be explained adequately by peristaltic effects without postulating a direct bactericidal action in vivo.