Three endophytic fungi isolated from different parts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. were identified
using morphological and molecular approaches. Ethanolic extract of endophytic fungi as
well as plant extracts were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity by using well diffusion
method and their minimum inhibitory concentration estimated. The culture extract of
one endophytic fungus Glomerella acutata EF15 was found to be potent antibacterial agent
against pathogenic coliform bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli responsible
for causing clinical mastitis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the ultrastructural
alteration in the cells of K. pneumoniae and E. coli when treated with crude ethanolic
extract of G. acutata. The ethanolic extract of the endophytic fungus revealed potential to
be bioprospected as antibacterial agent against pathogens causing coliform mastitis, the
existing havoc of dairy industries.
© 2014 Saudi Society of Microscopes. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved