Antibacterial activity of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva protein hydrolysates against some pathogenic bacterial strains on freshwater fish

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the antibacterial activity of protein hydrolysates from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larva (PHBSF) on some pathogenic bacteria including E. ictaluri, A. hydrophila, A. verroni, and S. agalactiae on freshwater fish. The results showed that the tested bacteria were highly sensitive with significant difference (P < 0.05) in diameter clear zone compared to the negative control at the tested concentrations of 20, 35, and 70 mg/100 µL. Particularlly, E. ictaluri was sensitive at all three test concentrations with the diameter of clear zones following 14.0 ± 1.0, 18.7 ± 0.7, and 20.7 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. A. veronii and S. agalactiae were sensitive at concentrations of 35 and 70 mg/100 µL, and A. hydrophila with a clear zone diameter of 14.3 ± 0.3 mm at the concentration of 70 mg/100 µL. The PHBSF was able to kill A. veronii and S. agalactiae with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) = MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) = 44 mg/mL, while E. ictaluri and A. hydrophila were inhibited at MIC 44 mg/mL, and MBC was 88 mg/mL. These results indicated that PHBSF could be potentially used to prevent fish diseases caused by E. ictaluri, A. hydrophila, A. verroni, and S. agalactiae.