In vitro Inhibitory Efficacy of Cranberry Fruit on Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis Isolated from UTI Patients in Hilla City

Background: Use of prolong antibiotics in UTI cases may cause severe side effects and resistance in bacteria against antibiotics. Therefore, we need to alternative herbal and non-antibiotic therapy for UTI such as cranberry fruit. Purpose: Aim of the study is to better understand effects of dried cranberry powder on certain local uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis in cases of urinary tract infection. Methods: The cranberry powder (CP) was obtained from W.N pharmaceuticals, Canada. The bacterial isolates were isolated and identified according to diagnostic features as golden characterization of morphology and biophysiology for Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. The antibacterial activity of CP was done against motility, adherence and biofilm formation, also compared with some UTI antibiotics. Results: Present study suggests the cranberry have antibacterial properties against E.coli and Pr.mirabilis. The MIC values for E.coli and Pr.mirabilis were 1.2500 and 0.1563 mg /ml respectively. The ability of both genera to adherence to epithelial cells was decreased when exposed to CP. The mean adherence was decrease from 20 to 1.9 bacteria per cell. The efficacy of biofilm formation by E.coli and Pr.mirabilis was much reduced after 24 hours. The motility of these bacteria was completely inhibited following CP exposure to 10 mg/ml, and temporally inhibited by 5 mg/ml after 18 hr. Conclusions: The powder of cranberry fruit has potential antibacterial activity against uropathogens; E.coli and Pr. mirabilis, and it can be using in preventing UTIs.