PROPOLIS AS AN ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT AGAINST CLINICAL ISOLATES OF MDR-ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant healthcare challenge, particularly in intensive care units.
• Limited therapeutic options necessitate the exploration of alternative treatments, including natural products.
• Propolis, a natural resinous mixture produced by honeybees, has shown potential antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic propolis extracts against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.
• To compare the efficacy of propolis extracts from different geographical locations (Sargodha and Lahore).
• To determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the propolis extracts.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii were identified and their antimicrobial susceptibility was tested.
• Ethanolic extracts of propolis were prepared using ultrasonic extraction.
• Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique, and MIC was determined by agar dilution.

Main Results:

• Acinetobacter baumannii isolates exhibited resistance to most common antimicrobials, with doxycycline being an exception.
• Ethanolic extract of propolis from Sargodha (EPS) showed a zone of inhibition of 21.8 mm, while Lahore propolis extract (EPL) showed 15.66 mm.
• The MIC ranges for EPS and EPL were 1.5-2.0 mg/ml and 4.0-4.5 mg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Ethanolic extract of propolis from Sargodha demonstrated superior antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii compared to the Lahore extract.
• Propolis exhibits potential as a natural antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
• Further research into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propolis is warranted to establish its clinical utility.