Susceptibility of Citrobacter koseri, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumonia to Crude Extracts of Beta vulgaris (Linn) (Beetroot)

Aim: The aim of this study is to ascertain the antimicrobial action of crude extracts of Beta vulgaris (Beetroot) against Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Citrobacter koseri.

Place and Duration of the Study: This study was carried out in the Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, between July to August, 2017.

Materials and Methods: Beetroot samples were obtained from GaddaBiu market Jos. The isolates were obtained from the Zanklin research Institute, Bingham University. Crude extracts of Beetroot bulb was obtained by soaking, boiling and maceration, which was used to determine the susceptibility of the microbial isolates to the extracts.

Results: The highest mean zone of inhibition obtained was 6.67mm from application of boiled crude extracts of Beta vulgaris to Citrobacter koseri. The highest mean zone of inhibition of antibiotics was 43.67 mm observed from ciprofloxacin upon its application on Salmonella typhi. The lowest mean zone of inhibition was 23.00 mm obtained from gentamicin upon its introduction on C. koseri.

Conclusion: The relative antibacterial activity of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) against bacteria has indicated a wide potential as an effective plant which can serve as an alternative to resistant antibiotics.