Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Isolation and screening of mucus-associated bacteria of the gastropod, Drupa margariticola for antagonistic activity

Volume 47 Issue 2

C. Chellaram, K. Mary Elizabeth Gnanambal and J. K. Patterson Edward

Abstract

The mucus-associated bacteria of the gastropod, Driipa ~nargariticola were screened for their ability to inhibit the human and fish pathogens. Out of the two hundred and eighty five bacterial strains isolated, 23% (65) were found to be pigmented, 71% (202) were identified as Gram-negative. A higher percentage of nonpigmented (77%) and Gram-negative (71%) strains were observed in the present investigation. 16% (46) of the isolates was found to have antagonistic activity against both human and fish pathogens tested and 63% of the Gram-negative strains (29) were found to be antibiotic producers. Antagonistic activity was found to be exhibited by pigmented strains too. A higher degree of inhibition was conferred by 3 of the isolates (Dl_15, Dl₁₃₀ and D₂₃₇) against both human and fish pathogens. These strains exhibited full or complete degree of inhibition against Eschericl~ia roli.

Keywords

Gastropod, Drupa ntargariticola mucus-associated bacteria and antagonistic activity.

Date : 30-12-2005