Following my comments on isolating thermophils and their subsequent
persistence as lab. contaminants, Juergen Wiegel has contacted me with
information about an unexpected source of thermophilic contaminants. Since
I don't think that he subscribes to this bulletin, I will pass the
information on.
Apparently, yeast extracts obtained from the suppliers of media
components are often heavily contaminated with the spores of thermophiles.
When working with thermophiles, he has had to autoclave media containing
yeast extract for 40 minutes to avoid contamination.
John W. Patching
The Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute
University College Galway, Ireland
Email: John.Patching at UCG.IE
Phone: +353-91-24411 Ext 2398
Fax: +353-91-750456
