Abstract

The antibacterial activity of extracts of the root and leaf of Phyllanthus amarus was assessed against extend spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coliisolated from the stool samples of HIV sero- positive patients with or without diarrhoea between January, 2009 and April, 2009 using Bauer disc diffusion method. The phenotypic confirmation of ESBL-E. coli were done by Double Disc Synergistic Methods (DDST). The phytochemical analysis of both root and leaf revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycoside, terpenes and anthraquinones. The strains isolated from both HIV sero- positive patients were susceptible to various concentrations of the extracts (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg ml^-1). In view of the efficacy of these extracts in inhibiting the growth of extend spectrum β-lactamase producing E. coli in HIV sero-positive patients, the utilization of the extracts in the formulation of new antibacterial drugs for the treatment of gastroenteritis in HIV positive patients caused by this organism is strongly recommended especially when the availability and low cost of these medicinal plants are put into strong consideration.

Key words: Escherichia coli, susceptibility, Phyllanthus amarus, HIV,cephalosporin, beta-lactamase.