Inhibition Of Bovine Mastitis Pathogens By Bacteriocins Produced By Bacillus Spp Isolated From Rastrineobola Argentea (Omena)
Abstract
Bacteriocins offer an advantage over antibiotics in that they target very specific organisms and they are
generally regarded as safe for humans. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify bacteriocin-producing
Bacillus species from Rastrineobola argentea (Omena) and to screen their bacteriocins for their potential as
antimicrobial agents against bovine mastitis pathogens. A total of 300 R. argentea samples were randomly
purchased from retailers in Gikomba market-Nairobi. To identify isolated bacteria, colonies were assessed using
morphological, biochemical techniques and the API KIT. Further, crude bacteriocins produced by some of the
isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity against the bovine mastitis pathogens Escherichia coli ATCC-
25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-25923 by well diffusion method. The physicochemical characteristics of
the crude bacteriocins produced were also assessed. The study identified Bacillus mycoides, subtilis, pumilus and
lentus as the most predominant species. Among these, Bacillus subtilis and pumilus were found to produce crude
bacteriocins with antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, the bovine mastitis pathogens. The crude
bacteriocins produced were found to be fully or partially inactivated in the presence of proteolytic enzymes like
trypsin and had a lipid moiety since their activity reduced in presence of lipase enzyme. In contrast, their
antimicrobial activity was not affected by temperature treatment of up to 100°C or in presence of ions like copper
or iron but there was slight reduction in activity with zinc ions. Their activity was optimal at neutral and alkaline
pH but reduced significantly at acidic pH. The bacteriocins produced by these Bacillus species have desirable
characteristics that make these isolates attractive candidates with potential application for prevention of bovine
mastitis pathogens
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/155https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280094290_Inhibition_of_Bovine_Mastitis_pathogens_by_Bacteriocins_produced_by_Bacillus_Spp_Isolated_from_Rastrineobola_Argentae_Omena