Antibacterial screening of phytochemical extracts against MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) - an in vitro study

Acetone, hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, methanolic extract of Hygrophila quadrivalvis and Phyllanthus multiflorus were screened for their antibacterial activity against a clinical isolate of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Agar well Diffusion method and Broth Serial Dilution method were used. It was compared with the Standard drug-Rifampicin (positive control). The Resistance pattern of the strain was checked by the agar well diffusion method and confirmed to be a MRSA strain. The prepared plates were incubated and results were evaluated by measuring the Zone of Inhibition - ZOI (in mm.) of drug extract. MIC and MBC were also determined for the resistant strain. All the experiments were conducted in triplicates and in sterilized conditions. Present investigation indicates that Hygrophila quadrivalvis and Phyllanthus multiflorus possesses antibacterial activity and hence can be used for future natural plant based antimicrobial agents. Hence our present study provides an in vitro evidence of its antibacterial activity against MRSA. However further investigations are needed to find out the active compound responsible for its pharmacological activity for the welfare of mankind where it can be used against the infectious diseases caused by the resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus safely and effectively.