Antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of pomegranate peel against Pseudomonas stutzeri isolated from poultry meat

In this study antibacterial activity of pomegranate peel (PPE) was evaluated against bacteria isolated from poultry meat. The bacteria were identified using 16S rRNA gene and DNA sequencing. Results of molecular characterization showed that the bacteria isolated were having 100% homology with the Pseudomonas stutzeri strain CTSP36 and further analysis showed that sample sequence clustered with the P. stutzeri strain CTSP36. Antibacterial activity of PPE was demonstrated by clear zone of inhibition in plates inoculated with extract. The diameter of inhibition zones were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in PPE as compared to standard antibiotic discs used (tetracycline, vancomycin and streptomycin). Results of broth dilution assay also revealed that PPE at 1%, 5% and 10% were effective in inhibiting bacterial growth in test plates. Further, a decrease in the growth of bacterial cells and a gradual decline in protein content of bacterial cells were also observed when bacterial culture was grown with different concentration of PPE along with a control. These results showed the potential application of pomegranate peel extract as antibacterial agent against P. stutzeri.