A. VIMALA, C.C. RATH, A. SREE*, S. PATANAYAK
Abstract
Microbes are known to form a highly specific and symbiotic relationship with filter feeding organisms like sponges, with their nutrient-rich and host-associated environments forming unique niche for microbial exploitation. Here, a total of 110 culturable microorganisms (83 bacteria and 27 fungi) were isolated from nine marine sponges and two corals off Orissa coast, Bay of Bengal and subsequently studied for their biodiversity and antimicrobial properties. Bacterial isolates belonged to four 'gram forms' comprising of 8 genera with gram-negative rods forming the predominant group. The fungi belonged to four genera. Antimicrobial potential of the bacterial isolates was studied against 16 pathogens including aquaculture pathogens, plant pathogens and human skin disease causing pathogens. Out of 83 bacterial isolates 19 belonging to the genera Pseudoinonas, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, Bacillus and Micrococcus exhibited species - specific activity. Bacillus sp (RRL15) was found active against all the three groups of pathogens.