Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase (VCNA) is widely used in biochemical and medical research, in processes for preparing homogenous sialoconjugates, and in the pharmaceutical industry. Its production by non-toxigenic strains is quite desirable, in order to avoid the expensive safety measures. Here, we report the first method for highly effective production of a novel, purified V. cholerae extracellular neuraminidase from a non-toxigenic strain. The enzyme is highly active, and its properties, as well as the responsible gene nanH, are practically identical with those of the toxigenic strains. It cleaves a, 2. 3 and a, 2. 6 glycosidic bonds with highest affinity (K-M 1.7x10(-5) mu M) for human transferrin. The deduced amino acid sequence of the enzyme reveals three binding sites for Ca2+ and one for sialic acid. The sequence analysis of the nanH gene, being the first for a V. cholerae non-O1 strain, shows 99 % identity with a new nanH allele of an O1 Vibrio strain. The simple laboratory technology for efficient production of the new VCNA is based on the use of common and cheap nutrient media and easily available inducer-glycomacropeptide. The rapid purification consists ofsalting-out and diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) and Q-Sepharose chromatography steps. Purified preparation contains no aldolase and protease, which gives the production scheme a great potential for industrial application.