ANTIBACTERIAL SYNERGY AND BIOFILM DYNAMICS OF VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS AND ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI AGAINST MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT (MDR) ESCHERICHIA COLI: IN VITRO AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

SHABANI, Vjollca and REÇI, Mije and SHAQIRI, Erjona and SHABANI, Shasine and VESELIEVSKA STOJKOVSKA, Vesna and GORGIEVA ACKOVA, Darinka (2026) ANTIBACTERIAL SYNERGY AND BIOFILM DYNAMICS OF VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS AND ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI AGAINST MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT (MDR) ESCHERICHIA COLI: IN VITRO AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS. In: 2026 International Congress "From Research to Application", 20 May 2026, University of Tetova, Tetova, North Macedonia.

Text Proceedings Book 2026-2-96-107.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

The global proliferation of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL⁺) Escherichia coli has rendered conventional antibiotic regimens increasingly inadequate for urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in isolates overexpressing AcrAB-TolC efflux pump systems. In response to this therapeutic gap, the present study investigated the antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and synergistic properties of Vaccinium myrtillus (VM) and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (AUU) extracts prepared across three sequential extraction formats, tested against three clinically relevant E. coli strains (ATCC 25922, ESBL⁺, MDR). Synergistic interaction was quantified via the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) index, and the dominant predictors of antibacterial efficacy were identified through multiple linear regression. AUU demonstrated superior individual antibacterial potency; however, the VM+AUU Aq. Ext. + Alc. Ext combination achieved strong synergy (FIC = 0.156), uniformly reducing the MIC to 2.0 mg/mL across all tested strains. A format-dependent “biofilm paradox” was documented exclusively in the MDR strain, whereby AUU ethanolic extract paradoxically stimulated biofilm development, while the aqueous extract and the VM+AUU combination resolved it. Regression modelling identified plant type as the dominant predictor of inhibitory activity (β* = .941; p < .001). Collectively, these findings indicate that the VM+AUU combination disrupts MDR E. coli through a multi-target mechanism encompassing anti-adhesion, direct bactericidal action, and quorum sensing inhibition — a scientifically substantiated phytotherapeutic framework warranting pharmacokinetic validation and clinical investigation in resistant UTI management.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Medicine
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited:	14 Jul 2026 10:06
Last Modified:	14 Jul 2026 10:06
URI:	http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2363

Actions (login required)

View Item