Effect of Earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) Powder on Selected Bacteria and Fungi

Aims: Investigations were carried out at University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus during the year 2014-15 and focused on the chemical composition of earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) powder and its effect on microbes.

Study Design and Methodology: Dried earthworm powder was prepared from adult Perionyx excavatus and tested against bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27583, Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923) as well as fungi (Candida albicans ATCC24055; Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger). Petri plates inoculated with known amount of bacterial and fungal colonies on Mueller Hinton agar media were treated with disks impregnated with different concentrations of aqueous solvent extract and ethyl acetate solvent extract of earthworm powder by following the disk diffusion suspecting tests technique. Earthworm powder was subjected to analysis of Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Nitrogen (N) and Copper (Cu) using standard procedures.

Results: Ethyl acetate extract of earthworm powder at concentration 1:5 was more effective against Gram negative aerobic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27583 while aqueous extract at concentration 1:5 was more effective on Gram negative anaerobic bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC25922. Aqueous extract of earthworm powder proved to be more effective on bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 in comparison to ethyl acetate extract of earthworm powder. Aqueous extract of earthworm powder had greater antifungal activity on Candida albicans ATCC24055 and Aspergillus flavus, whereas ethyl acetate extract at higher concentration have shown higher antifungal activity on Aspergillus niger.

Conclusion: This study conclusively proved that the earthworm powder prepared from Perionyx excavatus has antifungal and antibacterial properties.