Aloe vera extract: A novel antimicrobial and antibiofilm against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains

Abstract

Bacterial infectious maladies are the leading cause of death worldwide. Microbial drug resistance boosts the severity of the maladies. In the present study, the antibacterial impact of Aloe vera leaf aqueous extract against six strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LN872136, LN872137, LN871238, LN871239, LN872140, LN871241) was investigated in vitro. The effect of different concentrations (5-20mg/ ml) of the plant extract on bacterial growth was evaluated by estimating the dry weight of bacterial biomass obtained from cultures at 24 and 48 h after exposure to the plant extract. The results revealed that the plant extract at concentrations of 15-20mg/ml, markedly reduced the dry weights of most S. aureus strains after 24 and/or 48 h exposure periods. The effects of the plant extract (20mg/ ml) on the inhibition zones and biofilm formation by S. aureus six strains were also investigated. The largest inhibition zone was recorded against S. aureus (LN871241) and confirmed by scanning electron microscope. The plant extract could also block the biofilm formation by most S. aureus strains. In conclusion, the current results may support the use of A. vera extract as antibacterial agent against methicillin resistant S. aureus infections.