Anzaku AA, Ezebilo NV, Akharenegbe P, Onah DO, Balogun O, Ikwue AE, Sani BE and Jafung MT
Background: Wounds and injuries are common experiences in daily lives but an uncommon fact is the presence of microorganisms that could determine the eventual fate of these injuries. This study thus, aimed at isolating few microbial organisms associated with wound sepsis (Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Proteus) and to determine their antimicrobial profile to conventional antibiotics and Aloe barbadensis.
Materials and methods: Patients were randomly sampled in National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, Faith Foundation Mission Hospital, Nsukka and Renaissance Hospital, Nsukka. A total of 40 samples were cultured and identified using standard microbiological methods. Microbial strains isolated were Pseudomonas species, Klebsiella species and Proteus species. The pure isolates were then tested for susceptibility to ciprofloxacin which was used as control and Aloe vera gel and leaf extract. Solvent extraction of the leaf was done using standard ethanolic extraction method. Dilutions of 100-6.25 mg/ml of the extract and 100% to 6.25% of the gel were made and were used for antimicrobial test.
Result: Both isolates were resistance to Aloe vera gel while Pseudomonas and Proteus were susceptible to the ethanol extract mostly at the concentration of 100 mg/ml with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranging from 15-20 mm, while Klebsiella isolates were resistant to both the gel and the ethanol extract. Some Klebsiella and Proteus isolates were also resistant to ciprofloxacin while Pseudomonas, Proteus 14, 38 and Klebsiella 24, 34 isolates were susceptible with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranging from 18-30 mm.
Conclusion and recommendation: In conclusion, Aloe vera gel and leaf extract has no antimicrobial properties in vitro based on the outcome of this study. Further studies should be carried out on the use of herbal plants for wound treatment.