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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The study of antimicrobial activities of plant extracts has gained significant attention due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria. Eupatorium odoratum, a perennial herbaceous plant commonly found in tropical regions, has been noted for its medicinal properties, including antimicrobial activities (Nair et al., 2019). This plant, often referred to as the "weed of the tropics," has been used in traditional medicine to treat various infections, and recent studies have validated its efficacy against a range of pathogens (Ravi et al., 2020).

Pseudomonas species, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are well-known for their role in wound infections, which are difficult to treat due to their intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics (Khan et al., 2021). These bacteria are opportunistic pathogens and can cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients, often leading to chronic wounds that are challenging to heal (Oliveira et al., 2022). The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of Pseudomonas poses a significant threat to public health, emphasizing the need for alternative antimicrobial agents (Beyene et al., 2023).

Bishop Shanahan Hospital, located in Nigeria, has reported numerous cases of wound infections caused by Pseudomonas species. The hospital serves a diverse patient population, including those with chronic wounds that are often complicated by antibiotic resistance (Umar et al., 2024). Given the limitations of conventional antibiotics in treating such infections, there is a pressing need to explore alternative treatments, including plant-based antimicrobials.

Eupatorium odoratum has shown promising antimicrobial activity in preliminary studies, which suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent against Pseudomonas species (Cheng et al., 2019). The extracts of this plant contain various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils, which have been demonstrated to possess antimicrobial properties (Jansen et al., 2021). However, comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of Eupatorium odoratum extracts against wound-infecting Pseudomonas strains are limited.

This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating the antimicrobial potential of Eupatorium odoratum extracts against Pseudomonas species isolated from wound infections at Bishop Shanahan Hospital. Understanding the efficacy of these extracts can provide insights into alternative treatment options and contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for managing resistant wound infections.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Wound infections caused by Pseudomonas species represent a major health challenge, particularly in healthcare settings like Bishop Shanahan Hospital. The increasing resistance of these bacteria to conventional antibiotics necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic options. Eupatorium odoratum, known for its traditional use in treating infections, has shown potential antimicrobial properties. However, its effectiveness specifically against Pseudomonas strains isolated from wound infections remains inadequately studied. This study seeks to address this gap by evaluating the antimicrobial activity of Eupatorium odoratum extracts, providing a potential alternative to current treatment options for resistant wound infections.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of Eupatorium odoratum extracts against Pseudomonas species isolated from wound infections at Bishop Shanahan Hospital. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of Eupatorium odoratum extracts on the growth and viability of Pseudomonas species isolated from wound infections.

ii. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Eupatorium odoratum extracts required to inhibit Pseudomonas growth.

iii. To find out the potential of Eupatorium odoratum extracts in comparison to conventional antibiotics in treating Pseudomonas-induced wound infections.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of Eupatorium odoratum extracts on the growth and viability of Pseudomonas species isolated from wound infections?

ii. What is the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Eupatorium odoratum extracts needed to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas species?

iii. How does the antimicrobial efficacy of Eupatorium odoratum extracts compare with that of conventional antibiotics in treating Pseudomonas-induced wound infections?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value in addressing the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in wound infections. By exploring the antimicrobial potential of Eupatorium odoratum, the research could provide an alternative therapeutic approach for managing resistant Pseudomonas infections. The findings may lead to the development of new treatment options, reducing reliance on conventional antibiotics and potentially improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, the study could contribute to the broader understanding of plant-based antimicrobials, supporting their integration into modern medical practices.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is confined to evaluating the antimicrobial activities of Eupatorium odoratum extracts against Pseudomonas species isolated from wound infections at Bishop Shanahan Hospital. The research will focus on assessing the growth inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and comparative efficacy of the plant extracts relative to conventional antibiotics. The study will be limited to extracts obtained from Eupatorium odoratum and Pseudomonas strains isolated from wound infections at the specified hospital.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

The study may face several limitations, including the availability and quality of Eupatorium odoratum extracts, which can affect the reproducibility of results. Variability in the strains of Pseudomonas isolated from wound infections may also influence the outcome. Additionally, the study's findings may be limited by the specific conditions and methodologies used, which may not be generalizable to other settings or geographical locations.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Antimicrobial Activity: The ability of a substance to inhibit the growth or kill microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Eupatorium odoratum: A tropical plant known for its traditional medicinal uses, including its antimicrobial properties.

Pseudomonas Species: A group of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for causing infections in various parts of the body, particularly in wounds.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC): The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that prevents visible growth of a microorganism.

Wound Infection: An infection that occurs when bacteria or other pathogens invade a wound, potentially leading to inflammation, pus formation, and delayed healing.