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Effect of Ibicella lutea on uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis growth, virulence, and biofilm formation

Vanessa Sosa1, Pablo Zunino

  • 1Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Avenida Italia 3318, CP11600, Montevideo, Uruguay. vanessa@iibce.edu.uy

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ibicella lutea extract shows potential in controlling Proteus mirabilis, a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTI). This plant extract impacts bacterial growth, virulence factors, and biofilm formation, offering a novel approach to combatting antibiotic-resistant uropathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Ethnobotany

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is a significant uropathogen causing complicated urinary tract infections (UTI).
  • Antimicrobial resistance in P. mirabilis necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies.
  • Uropathogenic P. mirabilis poses serious health risks due to its virulence and resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Ibicella lutea extract against uropathogenic P. mirabilis.
  • To investigate the extract's impact on bacterial growth, virulence, and biofilm production.
  • To explore a potential natural alternative for managing P. mirabilis-associated UTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of Ibicella lutea extract.
  • Assessment of antibacterial activity, swarming motility, and bacterial morphology.
  • Analysis of virulence factors including fimbriae, flagella, haemagglutination, and haemolysis using Western blot and electron microscopy.
  • Evaluation of biofilm formation on various surfaces.

Main Results:

  • Ibicella lutea extract influenced the growth rate and morphology of P. mirabilis.
  • The extract demonstrated inhibitory effects on swarming motility and haemagglutination.
  • Significant reduction in biofilm formation was observed on glass and polystyrene surfaces.
  • Western blot analysis indicated modulation of fimbriae and flagella expression.

Conclusions:

  • Ibicella lutea extract exhibits antimicrobial properties against P. mirabilis.
  • The extract interferes with key virulence factors and biofilm development.
  • I. lutea extract presents a promising natural agent for controlling P. mirabilis UTIs.

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