Ahmed Jassim Fradi
Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
Assistant Prof. Dr. Rusol Al-Bahrani Al-Bahrani
Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by resistant bacteria are one of the most common infections in societies, which become difficult to treat with antibiotics. In recent decades, researchers have been exploring and using plant secondary metabolites as alternative antibiotics. Therefore, the current study aimed to extract essential oils of Citrus aurantium peels by using the Clevenger device and identify their chemical compounds using GC-MS analysis. Results revealed the presence of 23 compounds, and d-limonene was the most abundant compound, recorded (86.65%), while Cycloheptane, 4-methylene-1-methyl-2, was the least abundant, recording (0.04%). Then, 370 urine samples were collected from patients suspected of having urinary tract infections for both sexes, and 149 bacterial infections were diagnosed that showed high resistance to antibiotics through sensitivity testing. The infection rate was higher in women than in men, recording 50.33%, while in men it was (49.66%). Gram-negative bacteria were more prevalent than Gram-positive bacteria, recording 57.71%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent compared to other species. The effectiveness of three concentrations of essential oils was evaluated. The 75% concentration showed the highest inhibition rate, recording (16.667 mm), compared with concentrations 25% and 50%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most affected, recording inhibition zone of (13.917 mm), while Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli were the most resistant, recording an inhibition zone of 8.917 mm. Based on the results, Citrus aurantium peel oils can be used as a safe and alternative treatment for urinary tract infections.
Keywords: Citrus Aurantium Peels, Terpenes, UTI.
