Anti Bacterial Activity Of Extracts Of Punica Granatum Anogiessus Acuminate Azadirachta Indica Against Genetically Confirmed Esbl And Carbapenemase Producing E Coli Isolated From Urine Of Uti Patients

Abstract

10-2] SUMMARY newline10.2.1 Introduction: newlineUropathogenic E. coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infections and shows a rising trend of multidrug resistance due to ESBL and carbapenemase production. These strains often harbour resistance genes such as CTX-M-15 and NDM, which limit treatment options even with last-line antibiotics. This growing resistance poses serious challenges in both community and hospital settings, especially in resource-limited regions. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial potential of Punica granatum, Azadirachta indica and Anogiessus acuminate extracts against genetically confirmed ESBL and Carbapenemase producing UPEC strains isolated from UTI patients. newline10.2.2 Study Design: newlineThe present study was an in-vitro experimental investigation aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activity of various herbal extracts against uropathogenic E. coli isolates producing ESBL and carbapenemase. Urine samples were collected from symptomatic patients of all age groups of suspected urinary tract infection. Clinical isolates of E. coli were cultured, isolated, and identified, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Screening for ESBL and carbapenemase genes was conducted to characterise the resistance profile. Concurrently, selected medicinal plants were collected, and extracts were prepared to assess their antibacterial activity using disc diffusion methods to quantify efficacy. newline10.2.3 Methodology: newlineA total of 273 UPEC isolates were cultured, identified, and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. Phenotypic and molecular detection of ESBL and carbapenemase genes was performed. Selected herbal extracts were prepared and their antibacterial activity evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, with Gentamycin as the standard control. newline10.2.4 Key Findings: newlineAmong 273 UPEC isolates, 70% were multidrug-resistant, including 82 ESBL producers and 62 carbapenemase producers, while 48 isolates were non-producers. Punica granatum showed significant, dose dependent