We conducted one-step growth curve experiments of a lytic bacteriophage against its host at multiple MOIs (1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, and 0.01). While initial adsorption and early rise phases were observed, we consistently encountered issues in capturing a distinct plateau phase at all MOIs above 0.01.

At MOIs 1 to 0.25, plaque counts increased progressively up to 50–60 minutes, followed by uncountable plaques or complete lysis from 60 minutes onward (70–100 min), making it difficult to determine the burst size and latent period precisely. At MOI 0.01, no plaques were detected at any time point.

Given the absence of a discernible plateau phase, how should these results be graphically represented? Additionally, what could be the possible methodological or biological reasons behind this pattern, and how can we optimize the experimental setup to better resolve the plateau phase?