Antibacterial activity of bacteria isolated from Phragmites australis against multidrug-resistant human pathogens

Lay abstract In the present work, 21 bacteria associated to Phragmites australis roots were tested for their inhibitory activity against 36 human pathogens isolated from food, clinical patients and/or hospitals, which have the ability to escape several commonly used antibiotics. Seven out of 21 bacteria associated to P. australis were able to inhibit the growth of most of target pathogens. This preliminary work could pave the way to the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds active against bacterial pathogens that cannot be killed using several antibiotics. Background: Rising of multidrug-resistant human pathogens demands novel antibiotics: to this aim, unexplored natural sources are investigated to find new compounds. In this context, bacteria associated to medicinal plants, including Phragmites australis, might represent an important source of antimicrobial compounds. Materials & methods: In the present work, 21 bacterial endophytes isolated from P. australis roots were tested, through cross-streaking, for their inhibitory activity against 36 multidrug-resistant pathogens isolated from food, clinical patients and hospitals. Results & conclusion: Seven endophytes, belonging to Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas, were able to inhibit the growth of most of target strains. In conclusion, this preliminary work could pave the way to the discovery of new antibiotics active against superbugs.

Automated summary

This study found that 7 out of 21 bacteria associated with Phragmites australis roots were able to inhibit the growth of most multidrug-resistant pathogens, potentially leading to the discovery of new antibiotics against bacteria that cannot be killed using commonly used antibiotics.