Histopathological and Antibacterial Evaluation of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. & Thonn.) Taub. Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts Against Urinary Tract Pathogens

Background: Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant traditionally used in West Africa for managing various ailments, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). The increasing antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents from natural sources.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera stem bark and leaves against selected urinary tract pathogens. Material and Methods: Ethanolic extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera stem bark and leaves were prepared by maceration. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard protocols. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae using the agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by broth dilution methods.Results: The extracts exhibited concentration‑dependent antibacterial activity. The stem bark extract showed the highest zone of inhibition (17 mm at 100 mg/mL) against K. pneumoniae, while the leaf extract was most effective against P. aeruginosa (14 mm). Both extracts showed weak activity against MRSA. The leaf extract demonstrated bactericidal activity against E. coli and MRSA at 100 mg/mL, whereas the stem bark extract was primarily bacteriostatic. The standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin produced consistently larger inhibition zones.Conclusion: Tetrapleura tetraptera possesses significant antibacterial properties, with the leaf extract showing superior overall activity, lower MIC values and bactericidal effects against key uropathogens. These findings support the traditional use of this plant and suggest its potential as a source of natural antimicrobial agents for managing urinary tract infections.