Six strains of Bacillus cereus exhibiting antifungal activity were isolated from local environment and
optimized for growth conditions. The isolates appeared neutrophiles, grew best at aeration and were
represented by thermophiles and mesophiles. Growth inhibition zones of varying diameters were observed
when the isolates were tested against Saccharomyces cerevisiae on nutrient agar. Largest inhibition zone
measuring up to 16.25mm was observed for B. cereus Sn-21a after 48-72 hours of inoculation. Four of the
isolates designated as Sn-18a, Sn-19a, Sn-20a and Sn-21a also showed antifungal activity against Candida
albicans. For this test organism maximum growth inhibition zone (31mm) was noticed around filter paper
disc loaded with 4X cell free cultural fluid of Bacillus cereus Sn-20a. The isolates Sn-20a and Sn-21a
appeared thermophilic. Further work on these bacterial isolates is likely to define their antimycotic mode of
actions and limitations regarding therapeutic applications of their antifungal exoproducts