Antibacterial Activity of Ulva lactuca against Multidrug Resistant and Betalactamase Producing Isolates from Food Samples- An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a problem of deep scientific concern, both in hospital and community settings. Due the presence of highly resistant microorganisms in food, it may lead to serious health issues to the human beings and other animals also. This can be controlled by novel control methods using natural products. Algae are one such wonderful source that helps in treating such dreadful microorganisms. Ulva lactuca incorporate discrete active compounds, hence, exhibit antibacterial property to control the Multidrug Resistant (MDR) bacteria. The present research aims in exploring the potential antibacterial property of such dreadful bacteria.

Aim: To evaluate the potential bioactive compound of Ulva lactuca and its antibacterial activity against MDR and betalactamase producing food isolates.

Materials and Methods: The present pilot in-vitro study was carried out at Arignar Anna Government Arts College, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India, in the period of December 2017 to December 2020. Total 18 bacterial isolates were isolated from five retail chicken meat samples. These were then, tested for its antibiotic resistance property using standard antibiotic discs. The algae Ulva lactuca was isolated and extract was prepared using ethanol and chloroform solvents, followed by which the phytochemical studies were performed. These extracts were then tested, against the selected organisms for its potential activity.

Results: Among the 12 antibiotics tested, all isolates were resistance to variety of antibiotic classes, mainly aminoglycosides, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones and also 55% of the bacteria were able to produce betalactamase enzyme. The ethanol extract of Ulva lactuca was highly active against all isolates and exhibited a range of 10±1.24 mm to 22±1.24 mm inhibition zone. The chloroform extract, exhibited less potency, which exhibited 10±0.816 mm to 13.16±1.027 mm inhibition zone. Each organic solvent showed positive result for following metabolites- alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, sterols, tannins and terpenoids.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Ulva lactuca was very effective against the selected MDR and betalactamase producing food isolates. Therefore, it could be suggested as an antibacterial agent in the future. Further studies are needed to reveal the behavioural mechanisms of this plant and its pharmacological effects.