Isolation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of a Streptomyces strain isolated from deteriorated wood

Abstract

Emergence of drug resistance among pathogenic bacteria to currently used antibiotics has made the search for novel bioactive compounds from natural and unexplored habitats a necessity. In this study, we reported the isolation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of an actinomycete strain isolated from deteriorated wood of an old house located in the Medina of Fez. The isolate, named H2, was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and was shown to belong to the genus Streptomyces. The isolate was screened for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Mycobacteria, yeasts and fungi. Partial characterization of the active substance (resistance to proteinase K and heat) showed that it would be of non-protein nature. The kinetics of production of the active substance showed that the maximum production occurs between the 7th and 10th day of fermentation. In addition, organic extract of the isolate was able to release genomic DNA of Staphylococcus aureus suggesting that it acts probably on the bacterial cell wall. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the ethyl acetate extract followed by bioautography has allowed localizing the active substances. This will open the way to further investigations to demonstrate their potential importance in combating pathogenic bacteria.   Key words: Actinomycetes, Streptomyces, antimicrobial activity, molecular identification.