Isolation of Deinococcus species from commercial oyster extract

Deinococci with radiation resistance greater than that of Deinococcus radiophilus (ATCC 27603) were isolated from three commercial oyster extracts stored at 4, 20, and 30 degreesC. During storage the number of other bacteria declined and deinococci became the predominant group in the microflora, particularly at 20 degreesC, although at 30 degreesC the number of deinococci as well rapidly declined. The results suggest that the natural habitat of deinococci is an aerobic environment containing a slightly elevated saline content, soluble protein, and low sugar levels.