Thesis Abstract

The rise of drug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health, necessitating the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against drug-resistant bacteria. The research methodology involved the extraction of bioactive compounds from selected plant species, followed by screening for antimicrobial activity against a panel of drug-resistant bacterial strains. The results revealed promising antimicrobial efficacy of the plant extracts, with notable activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. The literature review delved into the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, the historical use of plant extracts in traditional medicine, and previous studies highlighting the antimicrobial potential of plant compounds. Methodological considerations included extraction techniques, antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods, and data analysis approaches. The findings from this study contribute valuable insights into the potential use of plant extracts as alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. The discussion of findings encompasses the interpretation of results, comparison with existing literature, and implications for future research and clinical applications. The limitations of the study, such as variations in plant extract composition and potential synergistic effects of bioactive compounds, are acknowledged. The conclusion underscores the significance of plant extracts as a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents and calls for further investigation to elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimize their efficacy. In summary, this thesis provides a comprehensive investigation into the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against drug-resistant bacteria, offering insights into the potential development of plant-based antimicrobial therapies. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on alternative antimicrobial agents and underscore the importance of exploring natural sources for combating antimicrobial resistance.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigation of the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against drug-resistant bacteria" aims to explore the potential of plant extracts as alternative antimicrobial agents to combat drug-resistant bacteria. With the rise of antibiotic resistance posing a significant threat to global public health, there is an urgent need to discover new sources of antimicrobial compounds. The research will focus on studying the antimicrobial properties of various plant extracts through in vitro experiments. Different plant species known for their traditional medicinal uses or antimicrobial properties will be selected for investigation. The extraction methods will be optimized to obtain bioactive compounds from the plant materials effectively. The project will then evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these plant extracts against a panel of drug-resistant bacterial strains commonly found in clinical settings. The effectiveness of the plant extracts will be compared to conventional antibiotics to assess their potential as alternative treatments for drug-resistant infections. Furthermore, the study will investigate the mechanisms of action of the active compounds present in the plant extracts. This will involve analyzing the impact of the extracts on bacterial cell structures and functions to understand how they exert their antimicrobial effects. The findings of this research could have significant implications for the development of novel antimicrobial agents to combat drug-resistant bacteria. By harnessing the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts, this project aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and improve treatment options for infectious diseases.