Sensitivity of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing enterobacteriacea to Acalypha maccafeana extracts

Abstract

Powdered leaves of Acalypha maccafeana (L.) “Red Acalypha” was extracted with ethanol and
fractionated with Petroleum ether, Chloroform and n-butanol using maceration technique. The
extract and fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity against confirmed extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing enterobacteriaceae isolates of Escherichia coli, Citrobacter species, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species, Proteus species and Salmonella species using disc diffusion method and microbroth dilution technique. The extract and fractions were further subjected to screening for phytochemical constituents. Sensitivity test results showed that ethanol extract, petroleum ether and residue fractions of red Acalypha were active against the isolates tested. The results of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars,
steroids and tannins in both extract and fractions with flavonoids only present in ethanol extract and residue fractions of the plant.

Keywords: Sensitivity, β-lactamase, Enterobacteriaceae, Acalypha maccafeana