Streptomyces Isolates from the Soil of an Ancient Irish Cure Site, Capable of Inhibiting Multi-Resistant Bacteria and Yeasts

Abstract

Traditional Irish medicines are often intertwined with ritual and spirituality, making it difficult to substantiate the validity of their claims. In this manuscript, we use molecular and microscopic techniques to investigate some microorganisms that might be responsible for the reputed healing properties of an ancient Irish soil cure known as the Blessed clay from a site in Boho in the West Fermanagh Scarplands. We previously reported the isolation of an antibiotic producing bacteria from this soil. In this report, we characterize the antibiotic activity of a further six isolates of Streptomyces from this source. Two of these isolates inhibit the growth of multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two inhibit the growth of the yeast Starmerella bombicola, and two have as yet undetermined activity. Genetic analysis of these Streptomyces reveals the potential to synthesize varieties of antibiotics similar to cypemycin, griseochelin, macrolactams, and candicidin. From these observations, we suggest that part of the medicinal reputation of the Blessed clay may lie in the diversity of antimicrobial producing Streptomyces isolated from this soil. These findings highlight the potential for antibiotic discovery in this area.

Molecular Identification and Pathogenic Potential of Clinical Bacillus Sp.20

“…A wide range of human infections are linked with this bacteria, such as skin infections, osteomyelitis, fulminant eye infections, endophthalmitis, and sever systematic diseases. 2 Many studies demonstrated that Bacillus species are susceptible to penicillin and cephalosporin with the exception of B. cereus. 3,5 Whereas the most effective bactericidal synergy drugs were clindamycin-gentamicin combination against B.cereus infections.…”

“…Earlier studies showed the genome size was ranged from 5.1-6.25 megabases. 1,2 There are many related species with B. cereus, such as B. anthracis, B.mycoides, B. thuringiensis, B. pseudomycoides, B. weihenstephanensis, and some new identified related species. 2 So far, the most clinically significant isolates were B. anthrax, B.cereus, B. megaterium, B. polymyxa, B. pumilus, B. subtilis, and B. amyloliquifaciens that cause of local infections.…”

“…1,2 There are many related species with B. cereus, such as B. anthracis, B.mycoides, B. thuringiensis, B. pseudomycoides, B. weihenstephanensis, and some new identified related species. 2 So far, the most clinically significant isolates were B. anthrax, B.cereus, B. megaterium, B. polymyxa, B. pumilus, B. subtilis, and B. amyloliquifaciens that cause of local infections. 1 The pathogenicity of Bacillus species (nonanthrax) has been investigated poorly, and several virulence factors such as motility, biofilm producing , swarming, capsuleforming can increase their potential pathogenicity.…”