Antibacterial Activity and Metabolite Profile of Endophytic Bacteria from Azadirachta Indica and Khaya Senegalensis against Poultry-Associated Antibiotic-Resistance Escherichia Coli and Salmonella Spp
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Abstract
The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in poultry production poses significant threats to both animal health and public safety through zoonotic transmission pathways. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from two medicinal plants, Azadirachta indica (neem) and Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany), against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella species obtained from poultry droppings in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Twenty endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized roots and leaves of the medicinal plants using starch casein agar. Preliminary antimicrobial screening identified four isolates (ENDVI, ENDVII, ENDVIII, and ENDIX) exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against the multidrug-resistant poultry pathogens. These bioactive endophytes were subjected to fermentation, ethyl acetate extraction, and chromatographic purification. Secondary screening of purified fractions revealed substantial antimicrobial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 20.33±0.33 mm to 26.33±0.88 mm. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the active endophytes as Bacillus cereus (ENDVI and ENDVIII, 92.96% and 98.72% identity respectively) and Lysinibacillus species (ENDVII as L. fusiformis, 98.85 % identity; ENDIX as L. cavernae, 88.00% identity). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of active fractions revealed secondary metabolites such as Kaempferol, Vinclozolin, 2-Aminobenzimidazole, Tropicamide, and Docosapentaenoic acid in some of the fractions. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA confirmed significant antimicrobial activity (p < 0.05) of the partially purified fractions. The findings demonstrate that endophytic bacteria from A. indica and K. senegalensis are promising sources of antimicrobial compounds effective against multidrug-resistant poultry pathogens.
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