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Inhibitory activity of papain on facultative pathogens--short communication
E Rajashekhara1, C M Tippannavar, M N Sreenivasa
1Department of Agricultural Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India.
Abstract:
Papain, a proteolytic enzyme obtained from papaya was found inhibitory on few facultative pathogens. While Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus albus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae were inhibited at concentration from 200 ppm on the cell density of Staphylococcus faecalis decreased only at higher concentration of papain (400-800 ppm).
Insights
Papain, an enzyme from papaya, inhibits common bacteria like E. coli and S. albus at 200 ppm. Higher concentrations (400-800 ppm) are needed to reduce Staphylococcus faecalis cell density.
Area of Science:
- Enzymology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Papain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from the papaya plant.
- Facultative anaerobic pathogens pose significant health risks.
- Understanding enzyme-pathogen interactions is crucial for developing novel antimicrobial strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial activity of papain against selected facultative anaerobic pathogens.
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of papain for various bacterial species.
- To assess the dose-dependent effect of papain on bacterial cell density.
Main Methods:
- Broth microdilution method was used to determine the inhibitory effects of papain.
- Papain concentrations ranging from 200 ppm to 800 ppm were tested.
- Bacterial growth was monitored spectrophotometrically to assess cell density reduction.
Main Results:
- Papain demonstrated inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus albus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae at concentrations of 200 ppm.
- Staphylococcus faecalis exhibited resistance, with significant cell density reduction observed only at higher papain concentrations (400-800 ppm).
- A clear dose-dependent inhibitory effect of papain was observed across the tested bacterial strains.
Conclusions:
- Papain exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against several facultative anaerobic pathogens.
- Staphylococcus faecalis displays a higher tolerance to papain compared to other tested bacteria.
- Papain shows potential as a natural antimicrobial agent, with varying efficacy dependent on bacterial species and concentration.