Abstract

Tuberculosis is the second cause of death from infectious disease. The resurgence of tuberculosis and the increase in mycobacterial infections, as well as the multidrug-resistance of these bacteria to available antibiotics, has encouraged research on new antimycobacterial agents. In this context, water and soil samples from different Moroccan biotopes have led to the isolation of a bacterial strain, capable of inhibiting mycobacterial growth (Mycobacterium smegmatis MC² 155 and Mycobacterium aurum A⁺). This effect was found to be due to a secreted substance. 16S RNAr gene sequencing identified the isolate as Staphylococcus epidermidis. The biologically active substance from this strain was extracted using ethyl acetate. The precipitate was not sensitive to proteinase K and therefore not a protein. Analysis of the ethyl acetate extract by thin layer chromatography allowed the identification of the anti-mycobacterial fraction. A phytochemical study identified polyphenol in the bioactive fraction responsible for the observed antimycobacterial agents.

Key words: Tuberculosis, mycobacteria, antimycobacterial agents, Staphylococcus epidermidis, polyphenol.