Background: In the present study, a total of 104 Actinomycetes strains were isolated from 20 soil samples collected from Senbagadaruvi (Western Ghats) region. Of the isolated strains, 14 number of isolates were chosen randomly for screening of antibiotic production. Primary screening was carried out by cross plate method and further assay was made by well plate method. Fermented broths as well as cell free extracts were prepared by growing the selected strains in a suitable fermentation medium for detection of antimicrobial activity.
Results: Among the isolates, three strains showed remarkable antimicrobial activities. They exhibit antimicrobial activities against different types of bacteria and yeasts. Secondary screening for β-lactam antibiotic, Glycopeptide / cell wall binding antibiotics and MLS antibiotic producer was also carried out.
Conclusion: In the present study Bacillus thuringiensis and Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to Actinomycetes. Mostly, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E.coli were resistant to Actinomycetes.
