UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Aim: This study aimed to isolate and evaluate β-lactamase-producing bacteria from poultry fecal matter for their potential to degrade β-lactam antibiotics, particularly Penicillin G, thereby reducing residual antibiotic contamination in farm waste.

Methods: Fecal-contaminated soil samples were collected from five poultry farms in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu. Thirty bacterial isolates were screened for β-lactamase activity using the iodometric method. Enzyme activity was quantified via spectrophotometry, and the most potent isolate was identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. Degradation of Penicillin G, Amoxicillin, and Ampicillin was assessed using agar well diffusion with E. faecalis as an indicator strain. Molecular docking (AutoDockVina) was used to evaluate the interaction between Penicillin G and β-lactamase (PDB ID: 1XPB).

Results: Out of 30 isolates, 11 (37%) were β-lactamase-positive. Isolate 23 (Klebsiella pneumoniae) showed the highest enzyme activity (46.60 U/mL). Enzyme-treated samples exhibited reduced inhibition zones, confirming antibiotic degradation. Docking revealed a binding affinity of –4.45 kcal/mol and an inhibition constant (Ki) of 542.67 µM, indicating effective interaction and hydrolytic potential.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the enzyme’s role in reducing antibiotic pollution and antimicrobial resistance risks, while biologically controlling the prevalence of resistant isolates. Microbial degradation offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for poultry waste management and the safe reuse of biofertilizers.