A Comparative Study of Pentahydrate Copper Sulphate and Acacia nilotica (L.) Extract Against Bacterial and Fungal Isolates

Background and Objective: One of the most important issues currently challenged by public health organizations worldwide is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The current study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of Acacia nilotica extracts and Copper Sulphate (CuSO4) on different clinical bacterial and fungal isolates. Materials and Methods: Using standard microbial methods, four bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant staphylococci, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli ) and fungus species were obtained from clinical samples of various infections. By using colonial morphology, Gram’s stain and metabolic assays in accordance with accepted microbial practices, the strains were identified. The strains were subcultured onto Sabouraud dextrose agar, MacConkey agar and nutrient agar blood agar before being kept at 37°C for roughly 18 to 24 hrs to determine purity. The antibacterial activity was screened using the paper disc diffusion technique. Results: The Acacia nilotica extracts have shown the maximum antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas species followed by vancomycin sensitive S. aureus, vancomycin resistant S. aureus while, the least activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis at the concentration of 750 μg mL–1. Candida albicans and Rhizopus have shown sensitivity against tested drugs. The antimicrobial activity of CuSO4 against tested bacterial species revealed the highest sensitivity as well as for fungal species. Penicillium species were completely resistant against both studied extracts. Conclusion: Results of the present study have reported a recommended use of Acacia nilotica extracts compared with CuSO4 for their potential antimicrobial effects as significant antibacterial as well as antifungal agents.