Molecular Characterization and Antibacterial Potential of Streptomyces sp. against Aquatic Bacterial Pathogens

Actinomycetes were isolated from agricultural soil to explore their potential as plant growth promoters and bio-agents. Particularly Streptomyces sp. was targeted due to its known biocontrol capabilities and production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites, providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides for improved soil fertility and pathogen control. The necessity of alternative antimicrobial agents against aquatic pathogens, the present study aimed to isolate, characterize and evaluate the antibacterial activity of Streptomyces sp. against important aquatic bacterial pathogens, Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio sp. Isolation was carried out using standard microbiological techniques, followed by morphological, biochemical and molecular identification using 16S rRNA sequencing. The antibacterial activity of the crude extract was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined. The results revealed significant dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with higher inhibition observed in Aeromonas hydrophila compared to Vibrio sp. These findings indicate that Streptomyces sp. is a promising source as a promising source of novel antibacterial agents for Aquaculture applications.