The effect of thermophilic actinomycetes isolated from compost and animal manure on some strains of Salmonella and Shigella.

Several samples of compost and animal manure were taken from different localities. Eleven isolates of thermophilic actinomycetes were obtained. The morphological, cultural, and physiological properties as well as temperature relation of these isolates were carried out in some detail in order to classify and identify them. The 11 isolates were identified as follows: Thermoactinomyces vulgaris (2 strains), Streptomyces thermofuscus (5 strains) and Thermoactinomyces sacchari (3 strains). The antibacterial effect of these actinomycetes on the growth of some strains of Salmonella and Shigella was tested. Some of the Streptomyces had an effect on Salmonella. Thermoactinomyces vulgaris had no effect. Shigella strains were not affected.