Vol. 9, Special Issue 1 (2024)

Author(s): A Kavya, B Devasena, MVAN Suryanarayana, M Kalyana Chakravarthi, GV Bhaskara Reddy and Nagi Reddy G

Abstract: In recent years, there is an increasing trend towards the use of organic acids as growth promoters by feed manufacturers and animal producers to substitute antibiotics. For their rational use in animal production, accurate screening of organic acids for their antimicrobial effect is essential. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to determine in-vitro antimicrobial activity of selected organic acids (citric acid, fumaric acid and benzoic acid) against certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, salmonella and Staphylococcus). Fumaric acid and benzoic acid exhibited more antimicrobial activity with lower inhibitory concentrations against gram -ve bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella), as compared to citric acid. ABST (antibiotic sensitivity test) indicated that staphylococcus was more sensitive to organic acids with greater zone of inhibition. Both MIC and ABST indicated a synergistic effect when combination of organic acids (1:1:1 ratio) were used against E. coli. The results of the current study indicated that the selected organic acids exhibited promising in-vitro antimicrobial effects against both gram - ve and gram + ve bacteria.