Antimicrobial Activity of Epidermal Mucus Extracts of Pomfret Against Selected Pathogens

Present study was undertaken on antimicrobial potential of epidermal mucus extracts of pomfret (Pampus sp.) using disc diffusion assay. Crude, aqueous, alcoholic (70% and absolute ethanol), and acidic (3% acetic acid) extracts were screened against five bacterial pathogens (Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) and two fungal pathogens (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Crude and aqueous extracts exhibited negligible antibacterial activity, whereas alcoholic and acidic extracts demonstrated consistent inhibition against selected bacteria and pronounced antifungal activity. Mean zones of inhibition ranged from 8–15 mm for bacteria and 28–45 mm for fungi. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among the types of extract (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that pomfret epidermal mucus contains solvent-extractable antimicrobial constituents, supporting as a source of bioactive molecules.