THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF MARINE PLANKTONIC ALGAE

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Abstract
Cell extracts of 14 species of marine phytoplankters belonging to 6 algal classes were tested for antibacterial activity against 9 marine isolates and 14 strains of terrestrial saprophytes including potential pathogens. Apart from individual species differences, some noteworthy differences in antibiotic effectiveness were observed between the algal classes. The Bacillariophyceae, Chrysophyceae, and Cryptophyceae showed considerably greater range and degree of activity than the Chlorophyceae, while the coccoid Myxophyceae showed no detectable activity. The single species of Dinophyceae examined appeared to be comparable in activity to the Cryptophyceae. The observed spectrum of activity indicated selective action against marine isolates and against Gram-positive organisms. In the latter group, three Staphylococcus strains were particularly susceptible to algal antibiotic action. Some of the algal species showed both growth inhibition and growth stimulation of specific test bacteria. The occasional development of antibiotic-resistant colonies within inhibition zones was noted.

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