Halophilic bacteria isolated from brine cured cattle hides

Abstract

Halophilic and halotolerant organisms found on brine cured hides were isolated and at least partially characterized. All of the halophilic bacteria isolated from the brine cured cattle hide samples used in these experiments were motile. Gram negative, aerobic and extremely pleomorphic organisms. The colonies formed by these bacteria were either bright pink, red, or purple colonies on media containing 27%, and 30% salt. The halotolerant colonies on 20% salt media were all white. Seventy percent of the isolates showed a positive gelatin test. The effect of the different salt solutions on the pH of brine cured hide sample was examined. When hide samples were placed into a variety of different salt solutions a pH reduction was observed as the organisms grew. The growth rate of halophilic bacteria was examined at room conditions, 37 degrees C and 41 degrees C. Growth was very slow at low temperatures. Halotolerant bacteria and halophilic bacteria grew best at 37 degrees C. The original hide samples used as the source of these halophilic bacteria had a fishy odor and a large area of reddish discoloration on the flesh side typical of ''red heat''.