Xylinasic and amylasic activities of some microorganisms in the digestive exudate of termites (Macrotermes Subhyalinus and Macrotermes Bellicosus)

Termites are terrestrial insects involved in the degradation of complex substances such as cellulose and hemicellulose found into the plant. They thus influence soil properties and contribute to the emission of methane gas. The ability of these Isoptera to digest complexes molecules may associated to the enzymatic activity of intestinal microorganisms. The overall aim of this study was to isolate and make a presumptive identification of cultivable microorganisms in the digestive tract of termites Macrotermes subhyalynus and Macrotermes bellicosus harvested. And search for glycosidase activities produced by the microflora. To achieve this goal 120 insects belonging to two castes (Macrotermes subhyalynus and Macrotermes bellicosus) were collected on termite mounds located at the Felix Houphouet Boigny University of Cocody (Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire). The intestines of these Isoptera were collected under aseptic conditions and seeded on agar PCA, VRBL, MRS and Sabouraud chloramphenicol. Moreover, the enzymatic activities were investigated in bacteria obtained according to the method of Bernfeld (1955). The results show that in both species of termites, Gram + bacilli had the majority. On nutrient agar, genera Bacillus, Streptococcus and Enterococcus were identified. On MRS agar, the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Lactococcus have beenidentified. On agar VRBL, genera Enterobacter, Yersinia, Klebsiella,Citrobacter, Serratia, Escherichia and Yersinia were isolated. Finally,amylasic activities were observed in yeast strains and Lactobacillus.The xylanasic activity was produced by yeast strains of Bacillus andtwo unidentified strains.

Xylinasic and amylasic activities of some microorganisms in the digestive exudate of termites (Macrotermes Subhyalinus and Macrotermes Bellicosus) Keywords:

Enzymes activities , Intestines , Termites macrotermes , Abidjan