Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Methanol Extract of Fecal Droppings of Common House Lizard/Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of fecal droppings of common house lizard/gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus).

Methodology: The antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract of fecal droppings of common house lizard/gecko was evaluated against the test organisms using the agar well diffusion method. Strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigates were used in this study.

Result: At the concentrations analyzed (20-1.25 mg/mL), the extract recorded only antibacterial and no antifungal activity against the test isolates. Antibacterial activity was observed against all test bacteria except S. typhi. At 20 mg/mL inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) of 4, 0, 3 and 5mm were recorded against S. aureus, S. typhi, B. subtilis and E. coli respectively. At 5 mg/mL, antibacterial activity was recorded only against E. coli with an IZD of 2 mm.

Conclusion: This report reveals the potential of the fecal droppings of common house lizard/gecko for use as a source of antimicrobial agent.The potency of the crude extract could improve if the active ingredient is isolated and purified.