PROSOPIS JULIFLORA LEAF EXTRACT DISRUPTS CELL WALL AND CELL MEMBRANE INTEGRITY OF E. COLI ISOLATED FROM BOVINE UTERINE INFECTIONS TO EXERT BACTERICIDAL EFFECTS

Uterine infections in large animals typically encountered following entry of the causative organisms in the uterus during coitus, insemination, parturition and/or after parturition [1].Additionally, retention of foetal membrane, abortion, dystocia, mounting by infected bulls, unhygienic practices at insemination, hypocalcaemia, season and inadequate nutrition largely contribute to development of uterine infections and inflammation to the innermost lining of the uterus (endometrium) [2,3].Uterine infections and endometritis adversely affect the reproductive performances of livestock by altering the ovarian functions, prolongation of the luteal phase, delaying of postpartum estrus as well as reduction in conception rates [4,5].Bacterial strains like Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes along with anaerobic bacteria ABSTRACT: The medicinal properties of Prosopis juliflora is reported in traditional medicines, albeit, its exact mechanism(s) of antibacterial action is largely unknown.Herein, we delineated the cellular mechanism of antibacterial activity of P. juliflora leaf (PJ) extract against pathogenic E. coli.isolated from uterine infections of bovines.The antibacterial activity of PJ extract was found to be initiated at 6 h post-exposure while the complete bactericidal action was exhibited at 12 h post-exposure.Further, relatively lower MIC values (0.39 mg/ml) against the clinical isolate of E. coli also support its prominent antibacterial action.Mechanistically, PJ extract produced substantial damage to the bacterial cell wall and interrupted cell membrane integrity leading to release of the intra-cytoplasmic contents and formation of vacuole resulting in cell death.Thus, PJ extract has the potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic antimicrobials to treat uterine infection.Further, it may facilitate the entry of other antimicrobials inside the bacterial cells, however, further research to determine its in vivo efficacy is warranted.