Antimicrobial Potential of Syzygium aromaticium (CLOVE) Extracts on Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Uropathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Clinical Specimens in Bauchi, Nigeria

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common pathogenic inflammatory, distressing, and occasionally life-threatening condition that affects people of all ages and gender, mostly propelled by the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Cloves are used as spices in food and flavouring agent in drinks it is also used traditionally as a treatment for urinary infections.

Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potentials of Clove extracts on multidrug-resistant (MDR) Uropathogenic bacteria.

Design: This is a Clinical and laboratory-based study of patient with cases of UTI

Place and Duration of study: This study was conducted in the Microbiology laboratory of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Nigeria, from January to December, 2021.

Methodology: Two hundred and fourty five (245) clean catch midstream urine samples were collected from patients with suspected cases of urinary tract infection attending GOPD ATBU TH. Bacteria were isolated using standard techniques and antibiotic resistant pattern was tested by Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion method. Bioactive components of clove was extracted using diethyl ether, ethanolic and water as solvents. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was also carried out.

Results: Out of the samples analysed, 168 (68.6%) showed significant bacteriuria. UTI was more prevalent in women within the active age group 21-30. The isolates resistant to seven and above commonly used antibiotics are selected from each specie to test for efficacy. The extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, sterols and Triterpenes. In vitro antimicrobial activity of diethyl ether, ethanolic and aqueous extract of cloves at different concentration of: 200mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 25mg/ml, 12.5mg/ml and 6.25mg/ml were tested against multidrug resistant isolates. S. aureus and Klebsiella spp are the most sensitive to all clove extracts while E. coli and P. aeruginosa are less sensitive. All Three extracts showed a broad spectrum of activities at higher concentrations (200mg/ml) while no or less activity at the lower concentration of the extracts. Diethyl ether extract exerts higher activity than ethanolic and aqueous extract as revealed by the mean diameter of zone of inhibitions, MIC and, MBC values. The MIC values of the extracts were lower than their MBC values suggesting that the extracts inhibited the growth of MDR isolates while being bactericidal at higher concentrations.

Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli are among the commonest uropathogens clinically encountered in this area and most of the species are resistant to commonly administered antibiotics. Clove extracts had great antimicrobial potential against these bacteria, therefore it can be used in the treatment of UTIs. However, it is necessary to determine its toxicity, pharmacokinetic properties and side effects.