ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Khaya senegalensis METHANOLIC CRUDE EXTRACT AGAINST SOME ISOLATED BACTERIA FROM COMPUTER KEYBOARD

Abstract

Medicinal plants, often referred to as medicinal herbs, have been integral to traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. These plants synthesize numerous chemical compounds that serve various functions, including defense against herbivores and pathogens. One prominent example of a medicinal plant is Khaya senegalensis, a tree native to Africa and belonging to the Meliaceae family, widely used by local communities to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and wound infections. This research study investigates the antibacterial activity of Khaya senegalensis methanolic crude stem bark extract against bacteria isolated from computer keyboards. The study was conducted at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA). Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids. Bacterial isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli through Gram staining and biochemical testing. Antibacterial activity was evaluated via the agar well diffusion method and showed concentration-dependent inhibition against both organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to be 25 mg/ml for E. coli and 50 mg/ml for S. aureus. In contrast, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 100 mg/ml for S. aureus and 50 mg/ml for E. coli, demonstrating significant bactericidal activity.