Effect of the raw extract of Arthrinium strains (Hyphomycetes, Dematiaceae) on the growth of pathogenic bacteria in poultry feed

Poultry feed contains a significant reservoir of bacteria and is a possible source of Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia co li, which can potentially infect farm animals and humans. The objective of this study was to determine whether the extract obtained from the culture o f some Arthrinium species was able to inhibit the growth of these bacteria. The results obtained showed that the raw extracts of Arthrinium aureum, Ar thrinium serenensis and Arthrinium phaeospermum inhibited the growth of Esc herichia coli in poultry feed. In some cases the percentage inhibition of t he growth of Escherichia coli was >80%. With the raw extract of Arthrinium in poultry feed, the rate of growth of S. typhimurium fell to between 50% a nd 80%. The raw extract of A. serenensis had the lowest inhibitory activity . S. aureus counts were not affected by any Arthrinium raw extracts.