IMPLICATIONS OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM EXTRACTS TO REDUCE MULTI-DRUG RESISTANCE OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE IN INDUCED URINARY TRACT INFECTION OF FEMALE RATS.

Numerous studies have reported on the multi-drug resistance of urinary tract infection (UTI)-causing bacteria, thus requiring alternative solutions for this disease. In the past, UTIs were often prevented and cured using medicinal plants. Thus, this study evaluated the potential of Syzygium aromaticum or clove extract to mitigate UTI caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae using an animal model. In this study, 40 female rats were randomly assigned into five groups, each comprising eight rats: G1(negative control): Healthy, untreated rats; G2(positive control): Rats infected by K. pneumoniae and untreated; G3(T1): Rats infected with UTI using K. pneumoniae and subjected to 250 mg/kg/day clove extract orally thrice daily; G4(T2): Rats infected with UTI using K. pneumoniae and subjected to 500 mg/kg/day clove extract orally twice daily, and G5(T3): Rats infected with UTI using K. pneumoniae and subjected to 750 mg/kg/day clove extract orally once daily. The experiment was carried out for 10 days. Creatinine, urea, and complete blood count (CBC) levels for the G2 group increased significantly (P≤0.01) compared to G1. Meanwhile, there was a significant decline (P≤0.01) in all three parameters for the T1, T2, and T3 groups. Nonetheless, most parameters in the treatment groups returned to normal levels after 10 days of therapy and were comparable to G2. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated the distinctive effect of S. aromaticum on K. pneumoniae infection, characterised by a rough or wrinkled cell surface, deep pores, altered shape, cavitations, and cracks with the leaking of intracellular contents. In summary, this study demonstrated the potential of the hydroethanolic clove extract at different doses and intervals as a promising alternative solution to reduce bacterial resistance, which was primarily due to the safety of active ingredients in the phytochemical extract.