In Vitro Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Vitex doniana Against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Hospital Bed Rails

Hospital surfaces serve as reservoirs of pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA), especially in resource-limited areas. This research aims to determine the in vitro activities of Vitex doniana leaf and root extracts on MDRSA isolated from bed rails. Eighty-eight (88) samples were collected from 113 hospital beds and grown on Mannitol Salt Agar at 37oC in 24 hours. Colonies formed were identified morphologically, by Gram-staining, and biochemical characterisation. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using Kirby-Bauer technique. The plant extracts were tested against the isolated bacteria through agar well diffusion method. The bacteria were found in 70 samples (79.55%), of which 54 (77.15%) were MDR. A higher percentage of MDRSA was found in the Female Medical and Surgical Wards as well as Male Surgical Wards having 10 (14.29% each), the theatre had the lowest, 1(1.43%). The bacteria were resistant to Ampiclox (69, 98.57%), cefuroxime (69, 98.57%), amoxicillin (65, 92.9%), and ceftriaxone (45, 64.29%). The MICs of the root and leaf extracts were 1.56 mg/mL, and the MBCs were 3.125 mg/mL and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively. Both extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity at 100 mg/mL, 70 mg/mL, and 50 mg/mL concentrations. The mean and standard deviations for 5 replicate assays of the leaf extract indicate that had higher activity (10.50 ± 0.10 - 28.50 ± 0.10 mm) than the root extract (8.50 ±0.10 - 17.50 ± 0.14 mm). High proportion of MDRSA calls for integrated management strategies, including the development and prudent use of potent antimicrobials and disinfection of hospital environments to prevent transmission.