Comparison of antimicrobial activity of mucus from terrestrial and freshwater snail species.

Abstract

Snail mucus has been the focus of many studies due to its various functions, particularly its potential as a novel source of antimicrobial. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of crude mucus extract was determined. Mucus from terrestrial and freshwater snail species widespread in the Philippines (Achatina achatina Achatina fulica, Faunus ater and Pomacea canaliculata) were tested by Disc Diffusion Assay against S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans and A.flavus. All zones of Inhibition were unclear (UZI) due to colonies observed within the ZOI, suggesting weak inhibition. Terrestrial snails, A. fulica exhibited inhibition to all test microorganisms, while A. achatina showed no antimicrobial activity. Freshwater snails P. canaliculata inhibited only the bacteria species, while F. ater showed antimicrobial activity on all microorganisms except A. flavus. This suggests that the antimicrobial activity of snail mucus is species specific and is not affected by the snail’s habitat. In addition, microorganisms showed varying susceptibility to the four snail species suggesting that snail mucus is species selective in its scope of antimicrobial activity.