Investigating the Effects of Ginger on Biofilm Production From Bacteria Isolated From Respiratory Tract

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Generator workers are particularly at risk of RTIs due to exposure to air pollutants and chemical hazards. Treatment of these infections is becoming more difficult due to the growing problem of drug resistance. Both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory purposes can be achieved using ginger (Zingiber officinale). Objectives: This study assesses how ginger extracts prevent and inhibit the spread of pathogens isolated from sputum samples from generator workers with RTIs. Methods: The preparation and characterization of subcritical alcoholic and water extracts of ginger were done using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. An agar-well diffusion method compared six bacterial isolates from generator workers and six bacterial isolates from non-generator workers for their antibacterial activity against the extracts. The extracts were assessed against the same isolates by using the microtiter plate assay. Results: The ginger extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all tested isolates. The extracts had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) that could be measured from 0.31 to 20 mg/mL. Against all of the tested isolates, the ginger extracts showed significant antibiofilm activity. Conclusion: Ginger extracts can be used as a natural alternative or adjunct to antibiotics to treat and prevent RTIs in generator workers.