Screening for antimicrobial properties in marine bacteria associated with hard coral mucus (Fungia sp.) around Bidong waters

Abstract

Laboratory studies on the marine bacteria associated with hard coral mucus (Fungia sp.) were carried out to investigate its antimicrobial activities in terms of seeking its inhibitory activities against target microbes. The coral mucus-inhabiting bacteria communities were successfully isolated and were grown on Seawater Agar, and diluted as well as concentrated Marine Nutrient Agar. A total number of 26 bacteria samples were managed to survive throughout the period of study. The target bacteria that were obtained form Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah includes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, and yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae which are considered as pathogenic microbes in humans as well as in other organisms. Screening test was conducted twice; the second screening test was done two weeks after the first test. Both tests revealed growth of bacteria samples against target microbes instead of inhibition zones. Second screening test showed a moderate to strong growth whereas the first screening test showed a low to moderate growth of bacteria samples on the target microbes. The most obvious growth was observed on Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas hydrophila. Differences in temperature conditions and incubation period of bacteria samples were believed to have yielded unexpected results. The bacteria samples were assumed to be potential probiotic as they are able to outgrow the target microbes instead of killing them by producing antibiotics. Further analysis could not be carried out due to the restrictions of the initial objectives of this study as well as time. Penyaringan Antimikrobial Daripada Bak:teria Marin Dari Mukus Karang Keras (Fungia sp.) Di Perairan Pulau Bidong