Antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera and Punica granatum extracts against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, “the super bug”

Abstract

Prevention and treatment of infections have become a major challenge for healthcare. Many regulatory organisations are continuously monitoring the evolution of bacteria on a day-to-day basis. The pathogens are gaining more armour every day and becoming resistant to multiple drugs. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is creating major challenges in the field of healthcare.   Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant challenge to global healthcare systems. Its ability to resist multiple β-lactam antibiotics limits treatment options and contributes to prolonged hospital stays, increased morbidity and mortality, and higher healthcare costs. MRSA infections can affect skin, soft tissues, lungs, bloodstream, and surgical sites, and they spread rapidly in both healthcare settings and the community, making early detection, stringent infection-control measures, and the development of novel antimicrobials essential. To challenge Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the screening of plants that are rich sources of bioactive compounds is necessary. Along with the advent of new antimicrobial agents, maintenance of hygienic practices is also necessary