EVALUATION OF VIGNA SUBTERRANEA LEAF EXTRACT AS AN ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT IN WOUND INFECTIONS

Wound infections remain a major global health concern due to their high prevalence and the accelerating emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Open wounds resulting from surgery, trauma, or chronic conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers are particularly susceptible to microbial colonization, especially under poor hygienic conditions. Common bacterial agents implicated in wound infections include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, which can cause complications ranging from localized inflammation to life-threatening systemic infections such as sepsis. These infections contribute significantly to prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Hospital-acquired wound infections are especially problematic, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) posing a critical therapeutic challenge due to its resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Similarly, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibits intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms, including the ability to form biofilms—structured microbial communities embedded within a protective extracellular matrix. Biofilm formation enhances bacterial survival by limiting antibiotic penetration and evading host immune responses, thereby promoting chronic and recurrent infections. The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms, including MRSA, MDR P. aeruginosa, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, further complicates clinical management and increases the risk of treatment failure. The escalating burden of antimicrobial resistance in wound pathogens underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies and improved infection control measures. A comprehensive understanding of the microbiological profile, resistance mechanisms, and biofilm dynamics associated with wound infections is essential for guiding effective treatment approaches and reducing associated health and economic impacts.