International Journal of Pathogen Research

The high incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) amongst pregnant women as a result of physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy, combined with the menace of antibiotic resistance to modern antibiotics, necessitates the introduction of novel alternatives to replace conventionally used antibiotics. This study investigated the antimicrobial effect of neem and lemon extract on bacterial pathogens associated with UTIs in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Ujeolen and Ihumudumu Health Centres in Ekpoma, Edo State. A two-week cross-sectional study was conducted using twenty (20) urine samples collected from pregnant women attending the antenatal care clinics. Bacteria causing UTIs were isolated and enumerated to assess the incidence and distribution of UTI pathogens. Isolated UTI pathogens were identified based on their biochemical properties. The crude extract of neem and lemon leaves were tested for their antimicrobial activity against the pathogens using 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL concentrations. Bacterial colony count ranged from 2.4 x 10⁵ - 4.6 x 10⁵ CFU/mL (samples from Ujeolen) and from 3.1 x 10⁵ - 5.2 x 10⁵ CFU/mL (samples from Ihumudumu). Pathogens isolated from samples collected from Ujeolen Health Centre were identified as E. coli, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp. and Enterobacter sp., while for Ihumudumu Health Centre, they were identified E. coli, Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. All test isolates were susceptible to the extracts at the highest concentrations ranging from 75-100 mg/mL for both ethanolic extract of neem and lemon, while lower concentrations showed intermediate antimicrobial activity. The MIC of neem crude extract was 100 mg/mL for all test isolates and 50 mg/mL for the crude lemon extract. This study has confirmed the antimicrobial activity of neem and lemon crude extract on UTIs associated bacterial pathogens. Extracts of neem and lemon could serve as alternative therapy to conventional antibiotics in the treatment of UTIs.