Investigation of the Antiviral and Antibacterial Potential of Coelomic Fluid from Some Earthworm Species (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae)

The coelomic fluid of four earthworm species, Aporrectodea rosea, Eisenia fetida, Lumbricus terrestris and Octolasion lacteum, was investigated against Gram-negative bacteria strains: Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas luteola and human pathogen Herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital herpes). The research revealed that only studied material from Eisenia fetida acted selectively on pathogenic bacteria. The greatest growth-inhibiting effect was observed on Aeromonas hydrophila. No antiviral potential was demonstrated against Herpes simplex virus. The metabolic components of the coelomic fluid have a strong cytolytic effect, but lack any activity against the tested virus pathogen.