Partial purification and characterization of antimicrobial effects from snake (Echis carinatus), scorpion (Mesosobuthus epues) and bee (Apis mellifera) venoms

Background: Some venoms and their isolated compounds have been shown to have antibacterial properties. Snake, scorpion and bee venoms are a complex mixture of proteins such as phospholipase and melittin, which have an effect on bacterial growth inhibition. This study aimed to investigate of antibacterial effect of three different venoms against selected bacterial strains. Materials & Methods: Crude venoms obtained from snake (Echis carinatus), scorpion (Mesosobuthus epues) and bee (Apis mellifera) were selected. The crude venoms from these species was purified by using gel filtration chromatography and the molecular weights of the compounds in these venoms estimated by using SDS-PAGE. The approximate lethal dose values of venoms were determined. Antibacterial activity of venoms against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were evaluated. Venoms and its isolated fractions and standard antibiotic were tested by using the disc diffusion method. Results: E. carinatus crude venom and fraction 2 were effective against S. aureus and E. coli. M. eupeus crude venom and fraction 1 and 4 were effective against B. subtilis. A. mellifera crude venom demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and Fraction 3 of this venom has an inhibition effect for E. coli and S. aureus. Conclusion: Snake, scorpion and bee venoms inhibit the growth and survival of bacterial strains and that these venoms can be used as a complementary antimicrobial agent against pathogenic bacteria.