Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a rich source of lingo-cellulosic materials thus providing an intense
environment for the growth of cellulolytic bacteria. The present study was conducted to isolate and identify
cellulose degrading bacteria from MSW dumped in different localities of Peshawar and its vicinity and their
screening for potential antimicrobial activity. The cellulolytic bacteria were screened out and isolated from the
collected samples by serial dilution method on modified Czapeck (CMC) agar medium and subsequent Congo
red assay. The total 108 isolates obtained were further analyzed for cellulose degrading activity qualitatively
through Congo red assay. Out of 108 isolates, only 15 isolates were selected on the basis of cellulose
hydrolyzing activity (zone ratio 2.5 and above). The antimicrobial activity of these isolates was also determined
against different bacterial and fungal human pathogens. These isolates were identified on the basis of standard
biochemical tests in Bergey’s manual. Among the 15 isolates one belonged toPseudomonas spp., one to
Aeromonas spp., one to Pasteurella spp., two belonged to Staphylococcus spp. and ten to Bacillusgenus.
Among them, Bacillus spp.SD F has shown a remarkable ability of cellulose hydrolysis in terms of both Congo
red assay by giving a zone ratio of 3.4 and enzyme activity of 0.2514 IUmL . The isolates showed antibacterial
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activity against one or the other among the entire selected target organisms except for P. aeruginosa. Bacillus
speciesshowed antibacterial activity from moderate to high against the pathogens where asStaphylococcus
speciesandPestuerella pneumotropicashowed moderate activity. The antifungal activity against the target
pathogens was shown by the isolates ofStaphylococcus spp.and some Bacillus species.Isolate PI 2
(Bacillus sp.) showed high activity against A. nigerby giving a zone of inhibition of 17mm while isolate 36 F
(Aeromonas salmonicida) showed high antifungal activity against C. albicansby giving a clear zone of 16 mm.
The results of the present study may provide the basis for the utilization of cellulose as an energy source for
such bacteria having the ability to produce therapeutic agents by utilizing a less expensive carbon source