Origanum vulgare L. essential oil inhibits the growth of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 Jun 27:52:e20180502. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0502-2018.

Abstract

Introduction: Plant products are sources for drug development against multidrug resistant bacteria.

Methods: The antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OVeo) against carbapenem-resistant strains was assessed by disk-diffusion, microdilution (REMA-Resazurin Microtiter Assay), and time kill assays.

Results: Carbapenemase production was confirmed for all strains. OVeo exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.059% v/v for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens, and of 0.015 % v/v for Acinetobacter baumannii. A decrease in cell count was observed after a 4 h treatment.

Conclusions: OVeo antimicrobial effect was rapid and consistent, making it a candidate for developing alternative therapeutic options against carbapenem-resistant strains.

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter baumannii / drug effects*
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / growth & development
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / classification
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Carbapenems / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / drug effects*
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / growth & development
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Origanum / chemistry*
  • Serratia marcescens / drug effects*
  • Serratia marcescens / growth & development
  • beta-Lactamases

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Carbapenems
  • Oils, Volatile
  • beta-Lactamases
  • carbapenemase