Abstract

Metal content of the ochre was determined by Flame photometry and atomic adsorption spectroscopic technique while the antimicrobial activity of ochre from North-Central Nigeria against selected organisms were investigated using standard methods. The results revealed the presence of Fe, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn in ochre. Fe had the highest concentration (1122.7 mg/kg) followed by Mg (193.0 mg/kg). The lowest concentration was that of Zn followed by Cu at 0.65 and 3.8 mg/kg respectively. Sensitivity tests of ochre against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Dermatophilus congolensis revealed that ochre had the highest zone of inhibition against Dermatophilus congolensis compared to other pathogens. The MIC and MBC at 50% of the compounding with culture of 1000 µgcm^-3were found to be favourable. The study therefore showed that ochre could be a good agent in the fight against infections associated with D. congolensis.

Key words: Ochre, metals, North-Central Nigeria, antimicrobial properties.