ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ALLIUM SATIVUM EXTRACT AGAINST SOME GASTROINTESTINAL AND RESPIRATORY TRACT ISOLATES, FROM PATIENTS ATTENDING FMC AZARE.

ABSTRACT Globally many pathogenic microorganisms have been developing antimicrobial resistance progressively which poses a threat to conventional antimicrobial therapy. In many developing countries however, a large proportion of the population rely on traditional practitioners for medicinal plants to meet their healthcare needs. Allium sativum (garlic) is one of such herbs that is used by these traditional practitioners, and coupled with the developments of drug resistance, this research was aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of garlic against some respiratory pathogens which have the potential of developing antibiotic resistance. Clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from FUHSTH Azare and re-identified using Gram’s staining,biochemical tests and microscopy were employed for confirmation of the Isolates. Fresh garlic was pounded and subjected to extraction using cold maceration with methanol solvent. After extract recovery the phytochemical groups present in the extract were identified qualitatively using standard tests for saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids were all found positive. The antibacterial activity of the crude Allium sativum extract was evaluated for activity against E. coli, P. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa by Agar well diffusion method. The Gram’s staining and biochemical test results identified the suspected isolates. The plant extract were tested positive for tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and steroids. The methalonic extract of garlic is active against the test organisms with highest activity of K.pneumoniae(23nm) at 400mg/ml. Biochemical test for E.coli on indole and motility test were positive. citrate, methly red,and oxidase test were negative.K.pmeumoniae on indole, motility, methyl red, oxidase test were found negative and citrate test positive.P.aeruginosa on indole, methyl red and motility test were negative, citrate and oxidase test were found positive.All the tested isolates were susceptible to the plant extract with zones of inhibition ranging from 6mm to 23mm. The results of this study showed that Allium sativum indeed has activity against the tested bacteria, and hence can be further exploited for production of plant-based antibacterial drugs against respiratory and Gastrointestinal bacterial infections, thus reducing the impact of antibiotic resistance and improving the quality of life for the population.