Synergistic Effects of Garlic Extract and Antibiotics against MDR Bacteria

Abstract

Background: The increasing spread of MDR-bacteria poses a global health challenge, mainly because of unreasonable antibiotics using. This has encouraged researchers to explore effective natural alternatives, such as extracts from medicinal plants, as promising sources of new therapeutic agents.
Objectives: The research meant to assess the FGE antibacterial activity and investigate its synergistic interaction when combined with amikacin or tetracycline against clinically MDR-resistant isolates, whom S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa.
Methods: FGE was prepared at a concentration of 320 mg/ml, and by using an automated VITEK system the susceptibility of the drug-resistant isolates was confirmed. By using the Kirby-Bauer method antibacterial activity was measured according to CLSI. Tests included extract alone, antibiotics alone, and extract-impregnated tablets, with three replicates per experiment and digital measurement of the diameters of the inhibition zones.
Results: The extract reveled activity against S. aureus (12.4 ± 0.5 mm), E. coli (10.1 ± 0.3 mm), and K. pneumoniae (8.2 ± 0.4 mm), while it did not inhibit P. aeruginosa. Combining the extract with amikacin or tetracycline enhanced the inhibition activity against all isolates except P. aeruginosa, with the combination with tetracycline being most effective against S. aureus and E. coli.
Conclusion: FGE show significant antibacterial activity against a number of MDR bacteria and enhances the efficacy of amikacin and tetracycline, suggesting its potential use as a complementary agent along with antibiotic in the treatment of infections caused by MRS