The effect of extracts of Selaginella involvens and Selaginella inaequalifolia leaves on poultry pathogens

ObjectiveTo investigate the antimicrobial activity of some commonly available herbs against poultry pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas species isolated from poultry litter.MethodsThe extracts of Selaginella involvens and Selaginella inaequalifolia were tested against E. coli and Pseudomonas isolated from poultry litter by the agar diffusion method.ResultsResults indicated that different plant extracts showed inhibitory effects against E. coli (8-13 mm) and Pseudomonas (6.5-13 mm). The four different extracts of Selaginella involvens and Selaginella inaequalifolia showed similar levels of antimicrobial activity on E. coli.ConclusionsThe antimicrobial activities of all the four plant extracts are comparable and their potential as alternatives in the treatment of infections by these microorganisms were present in the poultry litter. Susceptibility testing is conduced on isolates using drugs selected on the basis of their importance to human medicine and use in poultry production.