A newly isolated Streptomyces sp. CS392 producing three antimicrobial compounds

With the aim of isolating new microbes capable of producing strong antimicrobial substances, strain CS392 was screened from 700 soil isolates preserved in our laboratory. The strain was related to genus Streptomyces based on various characteristics. Three highly active antimicrobial compounds, C1, C2 and C3, produced by the strain were purified by solvent extraction followed by silica gel column chromatography. These compounds were highly active against various Gram-positive resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Among three, C3 was the most active against MRSA and VRSA with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 μg/ml while C2 and C3 had MIC values of 4 μg/ml for the strains. In case of Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, C1 and C3 were more effective with MIC values of 0.5 μg/ml than C2 with MIC of 2 μg/ml. Those antibiotics were variably active (MIC of 4-32 μg/ml) against Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 9341 and VRE.     

Interaction of methylxanthines and gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: role of phosphodiesterase inhibition

Previous studies showed that methylxanthines increased the antimicrobial activity of gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, the effect of non-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (methylxanthines: aminophylline and caffeine) and partially selective PDE inhibitors, dipyridamole and sildenafil, was evaluated on the antimicrobial activity of gentamicin using checkerboard method. Aminophylline at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg/ml reduced the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin (2 μg/ml) 2 and 4 times against S. aureus, and at concentrations of 0.5 and 2 mg/ml reduced the MIC of gentamicin (4 μg/ml) 2 and 4 times, respectively, against P. aeruginosa. Caffeine at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/ml reduced the MIC of gentamicin (2 μg/ml) 4 and 32 times against S. aureus, and at concentrations of 0.12 and 2 mg/ml reduced the MIC of gentamicin (4 μg/ml) 2 and 4 times, respectively, against P. aeruginosa. However, dipyridamole and sildenafil (32 μg/ml) did not show any effect on MIC of gentamicin against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. These results suggest that methylxanthines could increase gentamicin effects against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa but this effect is not mediated by inhibition of PDE 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11.     

Antibacterial activity of honey and propolis from Apis mellifera and Tetragonisca angustula against Staphylococcus aureus

AIMS: The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of honey and propolis produced by Apis mellifera and Tetragonisca angustula was evaluated. Secondary aims included the study of the chemical composition of propolis and honey samples and its relationship with antibacterial activity against S. aureus. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antibacterial activity of honey and propolis was determined by the method of macrodilution. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of A. mellifera honey ranged from 126.23 to 185.70 mg ml(-1) and of T. angustula from 142.87 to 214.33 mg ml(-1). For propolis, the MIC ranged from 0.36 to 3.65 mg ml(-1) (A. mellifera) and from 0.44 to 2.01 mg ml(-1) (T. angustula). Honey and propolis were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Some typical compounds of Brazilian propolis were also identified in honey samples. Principal component analysis revealed that the chemical composition of honey and propolis samples was distinct based on the geographical location of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis samples had higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus when compared with honey. However, both propolis and honey samples had antibacterial against S. aureus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These antimicrobial properties would warrant further studies on the clinical applications of propolis and honey against S. aureus.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of a novel propolis formulation (Actichelated propolis)

AIMS: This study compared in vitro activities of Actichelated propolis (a multicomposite material obtained with mechano-chemichal activation) and of a hydroalcoholic extract of propolis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), determined by means of microdilution broth method, against five strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed a greater potency of Actichelated propolis (MIC range: 0.016-4 mg flavonoids ml(-1)) in respect to the hydroalcoholic extract (MIC range: 0.08-21.4 mg flavonoids ml(-1)). Concentrations of Actichelated propolis active against adenovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus and herpes virus type 1 were at least 10 times lower than those of the hydroalcoholic extract. Preincubation of Strep. pyogenes and H. influenzae with subinhibitory concentrations of Actichelated propolis (1/4 and 1/8 x MIC) significantly reduced the number of bacteria that adhered to human buccal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Actichelated propolis has proven to possess antibacterial and antiviral activity higher than a hydroalcoholic extract, being also able to interfere on bacterial adhesion to human oral cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This new formulation of propolis showing better antimicrobial and physical characteristics could improve the application of propolis in respiratory tract infections.     

Antimicrobial activities of eucalyptus leaf extracts and flavonoids from Eucalyptus maculata

AIMS: We investigated the antimicrobial activities of eucalyptus leaf extracts to find effective antibacterial agents. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antimicrobial activities of leaf extracts from 26 species of eucalyptus were measured. Extracts of Eucalyptus globulus, E. maculata and E. viminalis significantly inhibited the growth of six Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, Propionibacterium acnes), and of a fungus (Trichophyton mentagrophytes), but they did not show strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida). 2',6'-dihydroxy-3'-methyl-4'-methoxy-dihydrochalcone, eucalyptin and 8-desmethyl-eucalyptin, isolated from E. maculata extracts, exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against seven micro-organisms with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 1.0 to 31 mg l(-1). CONCLUSIONS: The eucalyptus extracts and three compounds from E. maculata were found to be effective against micro-organisms that cause food poisoning, acne and athlete's foot. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study shows potential uses of extracts from E. globulus, E. maculata and E. viminalis, and antimicrobial compounds isolated from E. maculata.     

Abietanes from Plectranthus grandidentatus and P. hereroensis against methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant bacteria

The antimicrobial activity of 10 natural abietanes isolated from Plectranthus grandidentatus and P. hereroensis acetonic extract was evaluated against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). The results revealed that the most active diterpenes were coleon U (1), 7alpha-acetoxy-6beta-hydroxyroyleanone (2) and horminone (3). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging 0.98-15.63 microg/ml were obtained for MRSA clinical strains, and MIC values of 15.63 and 31.25 microg/ml were obtained for VRE clinical strains. Some structure-activity relationships are emphasized.     

Antibacterial activity of crude methanolic extract and its fractions of aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria

The antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract and its fractions of aerial parts of Aniheinis tinctoria (Asteraceae) was investigated against representative gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and gram-negative strains Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The activity was concentrated mainly in the dichloromethane (DCM) and hexane fractions of crude methanolic extract. The 5 mg of DCM extract per disk produced 15-16 mm of inhibition zone against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, however, no activity was found against E. faecalis and E. coli. The hexane fraction showed activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis. As DCM fraction showed the highest antibacterial activity in the disk diffusion assay, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of only this fraction was determined against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. These values were found to be in the range of 1.25 to 10 mg/ml.     

Erythrina poeppigiana-derived phytochemical exhibiting antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

AIMS: To screen five phytochemicals isolated from Erythrina poeppigiana (Leguminosae) for antimicrobial activity against both Candida albicans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Roots of E. poeppigiana were macerated with acetone and the chloroform-soluble fraction of the residue was subjected to repeated silica gel column chromatography using various eluting solvents. Structures of the isolated compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic studies. Each compound was dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide and added to agar plates (final concentration: 1.56-100 microg ml(-1)) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against C. albicans and MRSA were determined. Spectral data indicated the presence of three different types of phytochemicals; isoflavonoids (erypoegin A, demethylmedicarpin and sandwicensin), alpha-methyldeoxybenzoin (angolensin) and cinnamylphenol (erypostyrene). While all compounds showed anti-MRSA activity in this concentration range, isoflavonoids and alpha-methyldeoxybenzoin failed to inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Erypostyrene (E-1-[2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)benzyl]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene) exhibited not only the highest anti-MRSA activity (MIC value of 6.25 microg ml(-1)) but also anti-candidal potency (MIC value of 50 microg ml(-1)). The compound reduced viable cell numbers of C. albicans and MRSA by approximately 1 of 2000 and 1 of 1000 after 1 h incubation at each MIC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A new cinnamylphenol, erypostyrene, possessed anti-candidal and anti-MRSA activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Erypostyrene could be a leading candidate for development of antimicrobial agents with anti-candidal and anti-MRSA activity.     

Antibacterial activity of snake, scorpion and bee venoms: a comparison with purified venom phospholipase A2 enzymes

AIMS: Venoms of snakes, scorpions, bees and purified venom phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes were examined to evaluate the antibacterial activity of purified venom enzymes as compared with that of the crude venoms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-four crude venoms, nine purified PLA(2)s and two L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO) were studied for antibacterial activity by disc-diffusion assay (100 microg ml(-1)). Several snake venoms (Daboia russelli russelli, Crotalus adamanteus, Naja sumatrana, Pseudechis guttata, Agkistrodon halys, Acanthophis praelongus and Daboia russelli siamensis) showed activity against two to four different pathogenic bacteria. Daboia russelli russelli and Pseudechis australis venoms exhibited the most potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while the rest showed only a moderate activity against one or more bacteria. The order of susceptibility of the bacteria against viperidae venoms was -S. aureus > Proteus mirabilis > Proteus vulgaris > Enterobacter aerogenes > Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against S. aureus was studied by dilution method (160-1.25 microg ml(-1)). A stronger effect was noted with the viperidae venoms (20 microg ml(-11)) as compared with elapidae venoms (40 microg ml(-1)). The MIC were comparable with those of the standard drugs (chloramphenicol, streptomycin and penicillin). CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that viperidae (D. russelli russelli) and elapidae (P. australis) venoms have significant antibacterial effects against gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria, which may be the result of the primary antibacterial components of laao, and in particular, the PLA(2) enzymes. The results would be useful for further purification and characterization of antibacterial agents from snake venoms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The activity of LAAO and PLA(2) enzymes may be associated with the antibacterial activity of snake venoms.     

Partial characterization of bacteriocins produced by environmental strain Enterococcus faecium EK13

AIMS: The partial characterization of bacteriocins produced by an environmental strain Enterococcus faecium EK13, isolated from cattle dung water. METHODS AND RESULTS: A bacteriocin was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by a SP-Sepharose column, reverse-phase chromatography and N-terminal region sequenced. The anti-microbial substance produced was found to be a heat-stable polypeptide with molecular mass 4.83 kDa, which was determined by N-terminal amino acid sequencing to be enterocin A. A second substance was specified by PCR as enterocin P. Bacteriocins were stable at 4 and -20 degrees C for long storage periods. The optimum of bacteriocin production was observed in the range of pH 5.0-6.5 at 30 and 37 degrees C. The most active substances are produced by strain EK13 in logarithmic growth phase and bacteriocins are produced after 1 h of fermentation. The highest activity detected in fermentation experiments was 51 200 AU ml(-1) and the most sensitive indicator strain was found to be Listeria innocua LMG 13568. Differences in bacteriocin activity against two indicators could be explained by more than one type of enterocin production by strain EK13, or with different mode of action or in different sensitivity of strains. CONCLUSION: Enterococcus faecium strain EK13 isolated from cattle dung water produces two bacteriocins, enterocin A and P, with an inhibitory effect against the strain of the genera Enterococcus, Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Listeria (in different origin). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Enterococcus faecium EK13 environmental strain is a new producer of enterocin A and P. The E. faecium EK13, isolated from cattle dung water, is presented with the further aim to utilize it for waste treatment by biotechnological processes.     

Synthetic 3-arylideneflavanones as inhibitors of the initial stages of biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis

The antimicrobial activity of twenty two synthetic flavonoids is reported. Among them three 3-arylideneflavanones, 2b, 2c, and 2i, were shown to be highly active against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecalis reference strains, with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) values ranging from 4.68 microg/ml (14.3 microM) to 37.5 microg/ml (119.7 microM). The synergy of oxacillin and vancomycin with 2c, evaluated as fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was shown (against planktonic culture of S. aureus A3 and E. faecium 138/09 clinical strains). The presence of 2c in the culture medium diminished the initial adhesion of bacteria to an abiotic surface. Such an effect resulted in a decrease in biofilm formation during prolonged culture. Unfortunately, 2e failed to eradicate the S. aureus mature biofilm which was already preformed, however, decreased the number of live biofilm cells. The biofilm of E. faecalis was more susceptible to the action of 3-arylideneflavanone 2c than the S. aureus biofilm. The finding that 3-arylideneflavanones are lipophilic, cause bacterial aggregation, and influence the integrity of membranes making them permeable to SYTO 9/propidium iodide dyes may implicate the cytoplasmic membrane as a target site for these compounds activity.     

Characteristics and identification of enterocins produced by Enterococcus faecium JCM 5804T

AIMS: To screen bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in 52 type and reference strains, which have not previously been studied, with respect to bacteriocins, and to characterize the presence of bacteriocins. METHODS AND RESULTS: Only Enterococcus faecium JCM 5804T showed bacteriocin-like activity. It inhibited the growth of Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus spp., Clostridium spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE). However, it was not effective against Gram-negative strains, Weisella spp., Leuconostoc spp., Lactococcus spp., or methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The inhibitory activity of Ent. faecium JCM 5804T was inactivated by proteinase K, trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, and papain, but not by lysozyme, lipase, catalase, or beta-glucosidase. The inhibitory activity was stable at 100 degrees C for 30 min, and had a pH range from 2 to 10. The molecular weight of the partially purified bacteriocin(s) was approx. 4.5 kDa, according to tricine-sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing methods identified three different types of bacteriocins produced by Ent. faecium JCM 5804T, enterocin A, enterocin B, and enterocin P-like bacteriocin. CONCLUSION: Enterococcus faecium JCM 5804T produced three different types of bacteriocins, and they inhibited LAB and pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This is the first report of enterocin A, enterocin B, and enterocin P-like bacteriocin, detected in Ent. faecium JCM 5804T among LAB type and reference strains.     

The killing effect of cryptolepine on Staphylococcus aureus

AIM: This study was undertaken to further examine the antimicrobial actions of the alkaloid cryptolepine. METHODS AND RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cryptolepine against Staphylococcus aureus was determined using the broth dilution method. Time-kill kinetics and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were employed to monitor the survival characteristics and the changes in morphologies respectively of staphylococci in the presence of cryptolepine. A notable antistaphylococcal activity was recorded for cryptolepine (MIC against S. aureus NCTC 10788=5 microg ml(-1)). Cryptolepine appears to have a lytic effect on S. aureus as seen in SEM photomicrographs following 3, 6 or 24 h treatment with 4X MIC, i.e. 20 microg ml(-1) of cryptolepine. The surface morphological appearance of the staphylococcal cells was also altered. The lytic effect appeared to coincide with low viable counts recorded in survival curves following treatment with cryptolepine. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings demonstrate that lysis occurs when susceptible organisms are exposed to cryptolepine.     

Chitosan�CEDTA New Combination is a Promising Candidate for Treatment of Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Chitosan is an attractive preparation widely used as a pharmaceutical excipient. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of chitosan derivatives, EDTA, and the newly developed chitosan-EDTA combination against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as Candida albicans. Antimicrobial activity was studied. Both minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and minimal biocidal concentrations (MBC) were determined. Chitosan acetic acid recorded lower MIC values against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans than those exhibited by EDTA. EDTA failed to have inhibitory activity against Enterococcus faecalis as well as MBC against any of the studied microorganisms. Chitosan acetic acid's MBC were recorded to all examined species. Checkerboard assay results indicated a synergistic antimicrobial activity of the new combination against Staphylococcus aureus and an additive effect against other microorganisms. Moreover, a short microbial exposure to chitosan-EDTA (20-30 min) caused complete eradication. Due to the continuous emergence of resistant strains, there is an urgent need to discover new antimicrobial agents. Our findings suggest the use of chitosan as an enhancing agent with antibacterial and antifungal properties in combination with EDTA in pharmaceutical preparations.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new adamantane derivatives I

A series of fourteen derivatives of adamantane was synthesised. The new compound 4-(adamant-1-ylmethoxycarbonyl)phthalanhydride obtained from 1-adamantane-methanol and trimellitic anhydride chloride appeared very useful for preparation of a number of N-substituted phthalimides. Antimicrobial activity of the newly obtained derivatives such as, for example, 4-(adamant-1-ylmethoxycarbonyl)-N-(5-carboxypentamethylene)p hthalimide or 4-(adamant-1-ylmethoxycarbonyl)-N-(L-alanyl)phthalimide was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Micrococcus flavus and Enterococcus faecium. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for these compounds against S. aureus were 0.022 and 0.05 microg/ml, respectively.     

Antibacterial activity of extracts and neolignans from Piper regnellii (Miq.) C. DC. var. pallescens (C. DC.) Yunck

The evaluation of the activity of the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves of Piper regnellii was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The aqueous extract displayed a weak activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1000 micrograms/ml. The ethyl acetate extract presented a good activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis with MIC and MBC at 15.62 micrograms/ml. In contrast to the relative low MICs for gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria were not inhibited by the extracts at concentrations < or = 1000 mg/ml. The ethyl acetate extract was fractionated on silica gel into nine fractions. The hexane and chloroform fractions were active against S. aureus (MIC at 3.9 micrograms/ml) and B. subtilis (MIC at 3.9 and 7.8 micrograms/ml, respectively). Using bioactivity-directed fractionation, the hexane fraction was rechromatographed to yield the antimicrobial compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 identified as eupomatenoid-6, eupomatenoid-5, eupomatenoid-3, and conocarpan, respectively. The pure compounds 1 and 2 showed a good activity against S. aureus with MIC of 1.56 micrograms/ml and 3.12 micrograms/ml, respectively. Both compounds presented MIC of 3.12 micrograms/ml against B. subtilis. The pure compound 6 named as conocarpan was quite active against S. aureus and B. subtilis with MIC of 6.25 micrograms/ml. The antibacterial properties of P. regnellii justify its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds, contaminated through bacteria infections.     

A new class of anti-MRSA and anti-VRE agents: preparation and antibacterial activities of indole-containing compounds

A new class of indole-containing compounds were prepared by the use of three component reaction and their in vitro antibacterial activities (MIC) were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium including MRSA and VRE.     

Combinatorial modification of natural products: synthesis and in vitro analysis of derivatives of thiazole peptide antibiotic GE2270 A: A-ring modifications

Thiazole peptide GE2270 A (1) possesses potent antimicrobial activity against many gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, MRSA; MIC(90)=0.06 microg/mL) and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE; MIC(90)=0.03 microg/mL); however its poor aqueous solubility has prohibited its development for the clinical treatment of infections. An integrated combinatorial and medicinal chemistry program was employed to identify derivatives of 1 that retain activity but possess greatly enhanced aqueous solubility.     

Antimicrobial activity and the major components of the essential oil of Plectranthus cylindraceus

AIMS: The traditional uses of the aerial parts of fresh Plectranthus cylindraceus by the Dhofaris in Oman were investigated on the basis of antimicrobial properties and composition of its herb oil. METHODS AND RESULTS: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the herb oil of P. cylindraceus against human pathogenic bacteria and yeast were assessed using the broth microdilution method, and the percentage growth inhibition of fungi was determined according to the poisoned food technique. The oil exhibited good activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans with MIC values in the range of 7.8-62.5 microg ml(-1) and also inhibited the growth of Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum, Alternaria alternata, Bipolaris sp., Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum and Stemphylium solani for about a week at 250 microg ml(-1). The two most abundant components of the oil were identified as carvacrol (46.8%) and alpha-terpinolene (18.2%) based on gas chromatography-mass spectra (GC-MS) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The oil has a pleasant odour and showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Such bioactivity could be attributed in part to carvacrol. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study has demonstrated the broad spectrum antimicrobial activity of the herb oil of P. cylindraceus as well as the organic composition of this plant extract. This study provides scientific insight into the ancient practice of utilizing P. cylindraceus as a fragrant disinfectant.     

In vitro activity of sodium benzoate against clinically relevant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates

The antimicrobial effects of sodium benzoate against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were investigated. The MIC(90) of sodium benzoate were 64 mg/L for E. faecalis and 32 mg/L for E. faecium, while the MBC(90) were 128 mg/L and 64 mg/L, respectively. Although further studies are required for clinical evidence, sodium benzoate seems to be effective against Enterococcus spp.