Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Phylogenetic Analysis and In Vitro Antimicrobial Potential of Some Herbal Extracts Against Multidrug-Resistant
Muhammad Nazir Uddin1, Taha Fatima1, Mian Syed Ali Shah1
1Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Mingora, Pakistan, uswat.edu.pk.
Abstract:
The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa in healthcare settings poses a critical global health challenge, intensified by limited therapeutic options and the environmental spread of pathogens through hospital waste. This study addresses the urgent need for alternative strategies by investigating the phylogenetic profile and antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa isolated from hospital dry waste in Saidu Sharif, Pakistan, while evaluating the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of nine ethnomedicinal herbs. The isolate, identified via 16S rRNA sequencing, exhibited 99% homology to the MDR strain P. aeruginosa 610D6 reported from China, underscoring potential transboundary resistance dissemination. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance to 14 of 21 tested agents, with retained efficacy only for imipenem, cefoperazone/sulbactam (25-mm inhibition zones), and fosfomycin (24 mm). Ethanol extracts of Punica granatum, Myrtus communis, and Olea ferruginea demonstrated remarkable antipseudomonad activity (26-mm, 26-mm, and 25-mm zone of inhibitions, respectively) and potent antioxidant properties (97.57%, 95.55%, and 96.85% DPPH scavenging). Notably, solvent polarity significantly influenced extraction yields and bioactivity, with ethanol. This work highlights the therapeutic promise of plant-derived compounds against MDR pathogens while encouraging for One Health approaches to mitigate antibiotic resistance.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from hospital waste shows concerning spread. Ethnomedicinal herbs like Punica granatum offer potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties against this superbug.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a critical threat in healthcare.
- Hospital waste facilitates pathogen environmental spread, necessitating novel control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the phylogenetic profile and antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa from hospital waste.
- To evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of nine ethnomedicinal herbs against MDR P. aeruginosa.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA sequencing for isolate identification.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing against 21 agents.
- In vitro evaluation of plant extracts' antibacterial and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay).
Main Results:
- The P. aeruginosa isolate showed 99% homology to a known MDR strain, indicating potential transboundary resistance.
- The isolate was resistant to 14/21 antibiotics, with imipenem, cefoperazone/sulbactam, and fosfomycin retaining efficacy.
- Ethanol extracts of Punica granatum, Myrtus communis, and Olea ferruginea exhibited significant antipseudomonad activity and antioxidant properties.
Conclusions:
- Ethnomedicinal herbs possess significant therapeutic potential against MDR P. aeruginosa.
- Findings support the development of plant-derived antimicrobials and One Health approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness