ANTIBIOFILM FORMING ACTIVITY OF NATURAL PRODUCTS AND PROBIOTIC AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES BIOFILM

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are part of normal flora of human body. Both of them can form a biofilm. Biofilm is described as an adhered collection of immobile groups of microbes fenced within extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Biofilm will provide microbes safe shelter and ideal environment for maximum growth even under unfavorable conditions like extreme temperature, dehydration and radiations. Biofilm associated infection of both microbes are becoming life-threatening problem due to emerging antibiotic resistance, which necessitates discovery of new alternatives. Many probiotics and natural products have advantageous anti-biofilm properties. Objectives of the study were to assess the biofilm forming activity of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, to evaluate the anti-biofilm role of natural products i.e. Allium cepa (Onion), Mentha piperita (mint) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) and also evaluate the anti-biofilm activity of Probiotics (Lactobacillus). Another objective was to assess the synergistic action of natural product and probiotics against biofilm formation. It is a cross-sectional study. The samples collection is from different labs. The sample size is of 246 participants that belong to 1 - 75 years of age. Informed consent from patients taken. Specimens were inoculated in lab on culture plates, and put for incubation at 37 °C for 24 to 48 hours. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are identified on the basis of colony morphology, gram staining and biochemical test. Post identification ally we use micro-titer plate assay for observing biofilm producing action of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Then we employ natural product and probiotics on these biofilms and observe the anti-biofilm potential by performing 96 well Plate methods for biofilm assessment. 3 plant {Allium cepa (Onion), Mentha piperita (mint) and (ginger) Zingiber officinale} and probiotic (Lactobacilli acidophilus) possess anti biofilm activity individually and in combination. This anti-biofilm capability is further enhanced when natural products and probiotics used in combination because they act synergistically.