Antibacterial Potential of Aqueous and Hydro-Ethanolic Extracts of Four Plants against Pathogens Present in the Poultry Industry

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to animal production, particularly poultry farming. The aim of this study was to combat avian diseases using plant extracts with antibacterial activity. Four plants, including Abrus precatorius, Heterotis rotundifolia, Sida acuta, and Tectona grandis, were used in the study. Extraction of phytochemical compounds by the Soxhlet method allowed evaporation of solvents to obtain aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts. The antibacterial activity of the extracts against presumptive pathogenic strains was determined using the Müller-Hinton agar diffusion method. Extraction yields showed significant differences at the 5% level, ranging from 7.33 ± 0.15 a% to 11.37 ± 0.42 a% (aqueous) and from 9.53 ± 0.15 b% to 13.5 ± 0.2 b% (hydro-ethanolic). Extracts of Abrus precatorius and Sida acuta exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against Y. enterocolitica and S. aureus (diameter between 15 and 19 mm). The S. enterica strains studied were susceptible to both aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of Tectona grandis and Abrus precatorius (diameter between 9 and 14 mm). Plant extracts active against pathogenic strains could be used to control avian pathogens, thereby ensuring food security for the population.