Biological characterization of marine fish pathogen, Acinetobacter sp strain An 2 producing antibacterial metabolites

Abstract

This study presents antibacterial activity of several organic metabolites produced by a fish pathogen, Acinetobacter sp. strain An 2, from marine ecosystem of Goa. Cell extract demonstrated stronger inhibitory effects on Gram negative bacteria as compared to common antibiotics. GC-MS analysis of crude cell extract revealed presence of potential antimicrobials (butylated hydroxytoluene, phenol, pyrrolo-phenol, benzo-quinone, pyrrolo-pyrazine, phthalic acid butyl octyl ester and penta-fluoro-propionic acid hepta-decyl ester). FTIR analysis of its exopolysaccharide (EPS) revealed presence of amine, amide, carboxylic and phenyl groups. Therefore, this strain can be exploited as a potential candidate for several antibacterial drugs to combat bacterial pathogens causing serious fish and human diseases.