Antimicrobial Activity of Archachatina marginata Mucus Extract Against Oral Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species

Oral infections remain a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries, with rising cost of medication and the need to reduce antibiotic resistance necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of mucus extract from the African giant snail (Archachatina marginata) against common oral pathogens. Mucus was extracted from A. marginata and tested against Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. isolated from patients with dental caries. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% v/v. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using broth dilution methods. Results showed significant antibacterial activity at concentrations of 50% and above, with zones of inhibition ranging from 10 to 20 mm at 100% concentration. The MIC was 50% for Streptococcus sp. and 30% for Staphylococcus sp., while MBC values were 80% and 60% respectively. These findings suggest that A. marginata mucus extract possesses dose-dependent antibacterial properties against oral pathogens, potentially offering a natural alternative for managing oral infections. The activity can be attributed to antibacterial proteins such as achacin present in the mucus.