ANTIBIOTIC-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are major causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal inflammation, posing a growing health challenge worldwide. As the overuse of antibiotics fuels the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, researchers are turning to natural alternatives like essential oils and plant-based products to combat these persistent pathogens.
A recent study highlights the effectiveness of natural products such as tea tree oil (TTO) and apple cider vinegar (ACV) in combating antibiotic-resistant E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Both bacteria were found to be highly resistant to multiple antibiotics, but ACV and TTO demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against these MDR strains.
Researchers isolated and identified the bacteria using biochemical and genetic tests. They then assessed the bacteria’s resistance to common antibiotics and tested the effectiveness of five natural products: apple cider vinegar, garlic oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. The results revealed that ACV and TTO were the most effective, significantly inhibiting the growth of both E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
According to the study, essential oils could serve as an adjunct therapy for these infections, offering a safer alternative with fewer side effects compared to traditional antibiotics.
The researchers used GC-MS spectroscopy to analyze the active compounds in tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar. Their findings suggest that these compounds may play a crucial role in the antibacterial activity observed, providing a potential pathway for developing alternative treatments.
As multidrug-resistant infections become more common, natural products may offer a sustainable and effective solution for managing difficult-to-treat infections.
Reference: Soliman AM et al. Microbiological studies on Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae causing vaginal and urinary tract inflammation; prevalence, antibiotics-resistance and natural products susceptibility. Microb Pathog. 2024;196:107000.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
