IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACTS AGAINST MULTIDRUG RESISTANT UROPATHOGENIC GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections worldwide and represent a major contributor to antimicrobial consumption in both community and hospital settings. The rapid emergence of multi drug resistant (MDR) uropathogens, particularly among Gram negative bacteria has substantially limited the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and underscores the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. Medicinal plants rich in bioactive phytochemicals have gained increasing attention as potential sources of novel antimicrobial agents. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts against MDR uropathogenic bacterial isolates obtained from UTIs. Methodology: A cross sectional experimental study was conducted using clinically isolated uropathogens, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial identification was confirmed through standard microbiological and biochemical techniques including Analytical Profile Index (API 20E) profiling. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method to determine Multi drug resistance patterns. Crude leaf extracts of M. oleifera were prepared using methanolic and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) based extraction. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion assay at graded concentrations and compared with ciprofloxacin as a standard control. Results: All tested isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotic classes. M. oleifera leaf extracts demonstrated concentration dependent antibacterial activity against all uropathogens. The highest percentage inhibition was observed against Enterobacter (86%) and K. pneumoniae (85%), followed by P. aeruginosa (76%) and E. coli (72%). Zones of inhibition produced by the plant extract ranged from 17 to 21 mm, indicating substantial antibacterial potential against MDR strains. Conclusion: M. oleifera leaf extracts exhibit significant in vitro antibacterial activity against MDR uropathogenic Gram negative bacteria. These findings support the potential role of M. oleifera as a complementary or alternative antimicrobial agent in the management of drug resistant UTIs. Further studies are warranted to isolate active compounds, elucidate mechanisms of action and evaluate safety and efficacy in in vivo and clinical settings.