1- Department of Microbiology Plant Pathology, Ji.c., Islamic Azad University, Jiroft, Iran
2- Department of Plant Pathology, Ji.c., Islamic Azad University, Jiroft, Iran
3- Jiroft Social Security Clinic, Jiroft, Iran
4- Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, South Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Jiroft, Iran
5- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agriculture Institute, Research Institute of Zabol, Zabol, Iran , bfazelinasab@gmail.com
Abstract: (6 Views)
Objective: Escherichia coli is a prevalent etiological agent of nosocomial and urinary tract infections, with the presence of β-Lactamase enzymes encoded by the blaTEM gene contributing to enhanced resistance against antimicrobial agents. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized via Teucrium polium extract against the TEM gene-positive E. coli strains responsible for nosocomial and community-acquired UTIs.
Methods: In this investigation, first, the synthesis of AgNPs was performed under optimal conditions by T. polium extract. Then the production of AgNPs were determined by the color change of extract to dark brown in the presence of silver nitrate and UV-visible absorbance in the 300–650 nm using a spectrophotometer. Then, 155 E. coli isolates obtained from urinary infection samples referred to the Dr. Shariati Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Jiroft during the years 2023–2024.The isolates were identified and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles determined. Among these isolates, E. coli strains producing β-Lactamase enzymes were detected. Finally, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs against β-Lactamase positive E. coli. was assessed through disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Furthermore, the impact of AgNPs on TEM gene expression was quantified by real-time PCR analysis.
Results: results showed that among 155 E. coli isolates, 100 E. coli strains producing β-Lactamase enzymes. And PCR assays revealed the presence of the TEM gene in 60% isolates. Then the highest absorption at 450nm indicates surface plasmon resonance characteristic of synthesized AgNPs. Also, the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited significant bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against E. coli strains harboring β-Lactamase enzymes. Importantly, treatment with AgNPs resulted in a 34% reduction in TEM gene expression.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, future research may explore the potential application of T. polium extract-derived AgNPs as an adjunct or alternative therapeutic modality to conventional antibiotics in the management of multidrug-resistant E. coli infections.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Herbal Drugs Received: 2025/10/2 | Accepted: 2025/11/25 | Published: 2026/01/1