Abstract
The reduviid predators Rhynocoris marginatus (Fab.) and Catamirus brevipennis (Servile) use their venoms to paralyze their preys. We detected the antibacterial activity of R. marginatus and C. brevipennis venoms against seven Gram-negative and four Gram-positive bacteria by using the disc diffusion method. Rhynocoris marginatus venom exhibited antibacterial activity against four Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium) and one Gram-positive (Streptococcus pyogenes). Catamirus brevipennis venom showed antibacterial activity against six Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Salmonella typhimurium) and three Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sphaericus) bacteria. Both C. brevipennis (90.91%) and R. marginatus (45.45%) venoms were more effective against Gram-negative bacteria (80% and 70% for R. marginatus and C. brevipennis, respectively). The venoms of both reduviid predators are composed of low molecular weight proteins (7-33 kD).
Highlights
Reduviids have been recognized as important natural enemies against several field crop pests, especially hemipteran and lepidopteran pests [23,24,25,26,27]
The present study evidences that the peptides present in R. marginatus and C. brevipennis venoms might be involved in their antibacterial activity
Antibacterial activity of C. brevipennis was not detected against a Gram-positive bacterium (Streptococcus pyogenes)
Summary
Reduviids have been recognized as important natural enemies against several field crop pests, especially hemipteran and lepidopteran pests [23,24,25,26,27]. Fabre [9] demonstrated that the insect oral secretion could be paralyzant Reduviid predators immobilize their prey by injecting venomous saliva into them [1, 13]. It may be advantageous to prey using venom with antimicrobial factors, which could help to protect immunocompromised preys from opportunistic pathogens. Antibacterial activity has been widely reported in venoms from different snakes including Pseudechis australis [28]. The presence of these antimicrobial peptides in venom has been suggested to be a defense mechanism against infections that may arise with the ingestion of prey [30]. This study was undertaken to verify the role of antimicrobial activity of two reduviids venoms on selected human pathogens
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
