Combination Therapy: Investigating the Combined Effects of Zingiber officinale and Azithromycin against Vibrio cholerae

Abstract

Multi-drug resistant Vibrio species pose a significant global health threat, particularly in developing countries. The genes responsible for this resistance are often plasmid-encoded, making it a pressing concern. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Zingiber officinale (ginger) extract on various strains of Vibrio species isolated from stream samples. Stream samples were screened for Vibrio species using standard microbiological techniques. The phytochemical constituents of Zingiber officinale were quantitatively determined using gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods. The antibacterial activity was assessed using agar-well diffusion method. The study isolated three strains of Vibrio cholerae: VCC6, VCP2, and VCE7, with VCP2 being the most prevalent. Zingiber officinale extract exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) antibacterial activity against all strains, which was further enhanced when combined with Azithromycin (AZR). Notably, the extract showed the most pronounced activity against VCE7. The findings suggest that Zingiber officinale extract possesses potent antibacterial properties against Vibrio species, making it a potential adjunct therapy to conventional antibiotics like Azithromycin.