Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe vera Gel Extract on Hospital-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Introduction

Aloe vera has a long history as a medicinal plant with numerous therapeutic uses. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin. Hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Ha-MRSA) refers to MRSA infections that arise in healthcare settings, usually 48 h or longer after hospital admission or in individuals with recent hospitalization. This research is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of Aloe vera gel extract against Ha-MRSA.

Methods

The agar well boring diffusion and the broth dilution test methods were employed, respectively, to assess the susceptibility of Ha-MRSA to Aloe vera gel extract in ethanol and DMSO medium. These extraction media were compared for their effectiveness as the solvent of extraction for the susceptibility test.

Results

A minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.2 mg/L of Aloe vera gel extract in the ethanolic extraction medium was achieved, indicating susceptibility of the Ha-MRSA strain as recommended by EUCAST/ESCMID.

Conclusion

Aloe vera gel ethanol extract was sensitive against Ha-MRSA strains but was resistant in the DMSO extraction method. It is recommended that further research be carried out to ascertain the bioactive compounds responsible for antimicrobial activity.