Journal of Disease and Global Health

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, encapsulated, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and skin of humans but is also recognized as a prominent opportunistic pathogen responsible for hospital- and community-acquired infections. There is limited research on the antibacterial effect of M. indica specifically against K. pneumoniae colonizing the nasopharynx.

Aim: This study investigated the antibacterial activities of Mangifera indica aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts on Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from nasopharynx of students of Alex Ekwueme-Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI).

Methods: Samples were collected from the nasopharynx of students and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques. Preliminary phytochemical screening of Mangifera indica leaf extract was carried out using standard methods. Five (5) K. pneumoniae isolates were tested for antibacterial activity. Antibacterial activity of aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts of Mangifera indica leaves was assessed against K. pneumoniae isolates using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, and 50 mg/ml.

Results: Standard phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Ethanol and methanol extracts showed a broader spectrum of bioactive constituents compared to aqueous extracts The antibacterial susceptibility testing demonstrated that M. indica leaf extracts possess concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on K. pneumoniae. At 200 mg/ml, ethanol extract produced the highest inhibition zone (22 mm) on K. pneumoniae isolate.

Conclusion: This study underscores the dual significance of M. indica as a promising natural antibacterial agent and the need for continuous surveillance of K. pneumoniae colonization among students to prevent the spread of resistant strains.