Abstract
A new actinomycetes isolate ERI-26 was recovered from Nilgiri forest soil of Western Ghats and screened for its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Cultural characteristics were assessed in different culture media and 16s rRNA pattern strongly suggested that this isolate belonged to Streptomyces. The morphological and physiological characters were recorded. ERI-26 exhibited resistance to streptomycin. ERI-26 had the ability to produce enzymes such as amylase, cellulase and catalase. Maximum biological activity was obtained on Modified Nutrient Glucose Agar (MNGA) medium. ERI-26 showed activity against bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis and fungi such as Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The antibacterial substances were extracted using methanol from MNGA medium in which ERI-26 had grown for six days at 28 degrees C. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using broth microdilution technique. The lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of methanol fractions of ERI-26 against S. epidermidis was 375 mu g/ml and against C. albicans was 500 mu g/ml. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.