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Antifungal effect of soil Bacillus bacteria on pathogenic species of the fungal genera Aspergillus and Trichophyton

Summary

Scientists found that certain bacteria naturally occurring in soil can effectively kill harmful fungi that cause infections in humans. By isolating and testing different Bacillus bacteria species, researchers discovered that some were even more effective at inhibiting fungal growth than commonly used antifungal medications. This finding suggests a promising natural alternative to combat fungal infections, especially as many fungi are becoming resistant to traditional antifungal drugs.

Background

Fungal infections have increased rapidly over the past two decades, affecting 20-25% of the global population with significant mortality. The widespread use of antifungal medications has led to emerging resistance, making the development of new treatment strategies essential. Soil microorganisms, particularly Bacillus species, have been recognized as important sources of natural antimicrobial compounds.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate Bacillus species from soil samples with inhibitory effects against pathogenic Aspergillus and Trichophyton species and to evaluate their antifungal activity compared to standard antifungal drugs.

Results

Fifteen soil samples showed antifungal effects, yielding 55 bacterial strains, with four isolates demonstrating strong inhibition against all tested fungi: Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. axarquiensis, and Bacillus sp. B. licheniformis showed the highest inhibition zones against A. fumigatus and A. niger, while B. subtilis demonstrated superior overall inhibition compared to ketoconazole and amphotericin B in disk diffusion assays.

Conclusion

Soil-derived Bacillus species show strong potential as novel antifungal agents, particularly against Trichophyton species. Further studies are recommended to identify specific inhibitory metabolites, evaluate biocontrol potential, and explore mechanisms of action and broader activity spectra.
  • Published in:Iran Journal of Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.18502/ijm.v17i2.18397, PMID: 40337676
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