Enhancing soil-derived bioactive metabolites for controlling Staphylococcal nosocomial infections through environmental interactions

The study examined the potential of bioactive compounds as agents for controlling hospital-associated Staphylococcus species, driven by the growing need for sustainable and effective strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens in healthcare settings. Soil samples collected from a depth of 0–5 cm from the surface were screened for bacteria capable of producing antimicrobial compounds, with the most potent isolate selected for metabolite production. These metabolites were tested under varying environmental conditions, including different pH levels, temperatures, and incubation periods, to optimize antimicrobial activity. Using a factorial design, the study optimized conditions for maximum antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the performance of the soil-derived Pseudomonas species was compared with that of a clinical strain of Pseudomonas obtained from the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). Results demonstrated comparable efficacy between the isolate and the clinical strain of Pseudomonas species. Notably, S. aureus exhibited a 99.81% reduction in bacterial load within 48 h of metabolite exposure, while inhibition zones reached up to 44.90 mm after 7 days of incubation. The surface soil layer (0–1 cm), rich in organic matter and essential nutrients, was found to significantly enhance metabolite efficacy, highlighting the role of soil composition in optimizing antimicrobial production. These findings underscore the potential of secondary metabolites as sustainable and effective alternatives for infection control in healthcare settings.