Dynamism of Antimicrobial Activity of Actinomycetes—A Case Study from Undisturbed Microbial Niche

Abstract

Escalation of drug resistant microbes (bacteria) had forced researchers to search new and improved therapeutic compounds from different possible sources, including metabolites secreted by the actinomycetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of antimicrobial actinomycetes from physiologically distinct soil of different geographical locations. Forty five soil samples were collected from 5 districts of Gujarat including two sanctuaries as source of survey for bioactive actinomycetes. Crowded plate technique was used for isolation and Agar cylinder method was employed for the antimicrobial screening. A total of 171 actinomycetes were isolated and screened against eighteen pathogens responsible for causing diseases in plants and humans. Results indicate that 79% of the isolates were active against at least one of the eighteen tested pathogens. Some of the actinomycetes strain had shown strong antibacterial and antifungal activity which may be a good source of obtaining novel antimicrobials.