Synergistic Effect and Antibacterial Activities of Extracts of Salvia and Rosemary Officinalis Against <i>Escherichia coli</i> Isolated from Clinical Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) lives naturally in the human gut; however, emerging increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics in some strains leads to chronic infection. Thus, more studies have recently focused on the characterization of potential plant natural antimicrobial agents, with fewer side effects. In the present study, antibacterial effects of salvia (teucrium polium) and rosemary officinalis extract have been evaluated against clinical isolated E. coli from urinary samples. Methods: In parallel with using Trimethoprim, Ceftriaxone, Cefixime, Cefotaxime, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Ceftazidime, and Meropenem against E. coli, salvia and rosemary plant extracts have also been used separately and in association with the antibiotics to detect the sensitivities of the bacteria to the components. Results: Salvia and rosemary had synergistic effects on ceftazidime against E. coli. The components decreased sensitivities of E. coli to some of the antibiotics. Conclusions: Based on the results, salvia and rosemary are able to increase anti-E. coli effects of ceftazidime and can be considered as future supplementary components against the bacteria.