Effects of Methanolic Ginger and Garlic Extracts on Biofilm Forming Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Borehole Water

This study investigated the effect of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Allum sativum (Garlic) on biofilm forming Staphylococcus aureus isolated from selected boreholes in Port Harcourt city Local Government Area of Rivers State. Twenty four water samples were collected from 4 randomly selected borehole. Borikiri had the highest number of isolates that produced biofilm, while Elelennwo had the lowest number. Out of 23 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, 14 were positive for biofilm production. Hemolysis production range of these isolates was from alpha, beta and gamma. Filter paper disc were inoculated with various plant extract concentrations. Methanol garlic extract at 100mg/ml had the highest range of zone of inhibition at Borikiri when compared to methanol ginger extract while methanol garlic extract at 100mg/ml had no range at Elelenwo when compared to methanol ginger extract. This study suggests that methanolic ginger and garlic extracts can be used as a potential anti-biofilm agent in borehole water, to reduce the risk of bacterial biofilm formation.

Surveillance systems should be increased for assessing risk factors of diseases and to provide strategies to prevent and protect public health.