In-vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Urtica dioica against Isolated Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from surgical site

Abstract

Background: A significant worldwide public health concern is the quick rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially when it comes to postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs). Antimicrobials derived from plants are being investigated more and more as alternatives to antibiotic resistance.
Methods: Ethanolic leaf extract’s in-vitro antibacterial activity of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) against MDR clinical isolates recovered from postoperative SSIs was assessed in this study. 6 S. aureus and 10 P. aeruginosa were among the 16 MDR isolates that were examined. Antimicrobial activity was measured using agar-well dilution and microbroth dilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were established.
Results: The U. dioica ethanolic extract demonstrated strong antimicrobial actions against both test species, with zone of inhibition that ranges 14.5 ± 0.5 to 29.5 ± 0.5 mm. MIC values for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were 6.25 and 3.125 mg/mL. The comparable MBC results were 12.5 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL. A primarily bacteriostatic mode of action was indicated by the MIC to MBC ratios.
Conclusion: Urtica dioica has significant antibacterial activity against MDR microorganisms associated with SSIs. These findings imply that U. dioica possesses potential application in the production of plant-based antimicrobials. They also indicate how medicinal plants can be of use in addressing the issue of infections and drug resistance.