Isolation and Screening of the Inhibitory Power of Mangrove Endophytic Bacteria Sonneratia alba from Baai Island Bengkulu Against Candida albicans

Cases of infection in Indonesia caused by Candida albicans, such as candidiasis, represent the highest number of comorbidities in individuals with immune system disorders. In patients with candidiasis, azole antifungal drugs are commonly prescribed; however, they are associated with increasing resistance. Data shows that 7.69% of candidiasis patients are resistant to ketoconazole. This research explores the potential of the endophytic bacteria Sonneratia alba as an antifungal for C. albicans, whose resistance to synthetic antifungals is increasing. This research uses a qualitative data collection method with laboratory experimental research. The first stage was the isolation of endophytic bacteria from the leaves, stems, and roots of the S. alba using the multilevel dilution method. The next stage was to observe the characteristics of the colony based on shape, edges, elevation, texture, color, and Gram staining. The final stage was to test the antagonism of endophytic bacterial isolates against C. albicans. The isolation of the S. alba endophytic bacteria resulted in 83 isolates. Based on the results of morphological observations and characteristics, 83 isolates also had various bacterial forms. The Gram staining test showed that 45 isolates of endophytic bacteria were Gram-positive and 38 isolates were Gram-negative. Antagonist tests showed that 14 isolates of endophytic bacteria were positive for inhibiting the growth of C. albicans. The endophytic bacterial isolate S. alba has the potential to produce bioactive compounds that inhibit the growth of C. albicans.