Molecular characterization of some respiratory tract isolates from HIV patients and their use to determine antimicrobial effects of turmeric extracts

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections account for about 70% of AIDS related illnesses particularly the opportunistic infections. Despite the efficacy of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), drug administration adverse effects have emerged, leading to research for safer medications. Several natural spices have been investigated for phytochemical compounds of potential antimicrobial activities. In line with this effort, this study investigated the antimicrobial activity of turmeric extracts against bacteria and yeast isolated from the respiratory tract of HIV patients. A 40g of the powder was used for extraction with 120 ml of methanol and water through the percolation method. The extracts were screened for phytochemicals using quantitative and qualitative analyses. The antimicrobial activity of the various turmeric extract concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/ml) was tested using agar well diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were tested using broth dilution method. The in vitro sensitivity test revealed that methanolic extract was more effective compared to aqueous extract against Candida albicans with 18.2mm followed by Streptococcus species (17.7mm) and then, Pseudomonas species (17 mm) based on the zones of growth inhibition produced. The MIC values of methanolic turmeric extract against the test bacteria were recorded as 12.5 mg/ml each for Pseudomonas species and Streptococcus species. The MBC of same was recorded as 25 mg/ml. In conclusion, both methanolic and aqueous turmeric extracts demonstrated high potential antimicrobial activity against the opportunistic respiratory tract bacterial and yeast organisms from the HIV-positive patients.