Effect of Juglans regia Li. Stem Bark Hydroalcoholic Extract on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is considered a major cause of nosocomial and community infections. Its prevalence varies from country to country, even between hospitals of a country. These bacteria often have multi-resistance and can be difficult to treat. Objectives: The current study evaluated the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of Juglans regia Li. on several isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 S. aureus strains were isolated from various clinical specimens and antibiotic susceptibility and presence of methicillin-resistant gene (mecA) were evaluated using disc diffusion and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The effect of hydroalcoholic extract on MRSA was evaluated by E-test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Results: All of 50 MRSA strains were multi-drug resistant. All MRSA strains were found resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and methicillin. A low resistance was observed toward erythromycin (48%) and then ciprofloxacin, gentamycin and clindamycin (34%). All strains except one were sensitive to vancomycin. All strains except one were mecA carrier in PCR and hydroalcoholic extract had significant antibacterial effect on MRSA compared to positive control. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were 7.81 mg/mL and 3.9 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of Juglans regia Li. proved to have a good effect against MRSA. In this respect, this extract can be used as a commercial disinfectant in the form of spray or solution in hospitals and public places.