A chemotherapeutic efficacy of some antibiotics and Punica grantum L. extracts against Propionibacterium acnes isolated from acne vulgaris cases

The study aimed to isolate Propionibacterium acnes as a bacterial agent of acne vulgaris, study the antibacterial activity of extracts of Punica granatum L. (leaves, fruits, and crusts) against P. acnes, and compare these extracts with the selected antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. A total of 143 patients (72 males: 71 females) aged between 14 and 18 years suffering from acne vulgaris were included in the study; specimens (swabs) were collected from these patients (both sex, various degree of acne) in the dermatology unit of Al-Basrah General Hospital and Alsader Teaching Hospital in Basrah City during October 2013–March 2014. From a total of 147 cases of acne vulgaris, 104 cases (72.7%) reflected positive cultures. The double mode of isolation was found in 47 cases (45.2%) followed by other modes. The present study found that P. acnes is a more effective bacterial pathogen isolated from 143 cases of acne vulgaris followed by other bacterial pathogens. Three extracts (crust, leaves, and fruits) from P. grantum and eight standard antibiotics [Penicillin G (P), Chloramphenical (C), Cephalexin (CE), Bactrim (Sxt), Tetracycline (TE), Erythromycin (E), Kanamycin (K), and Gentamicin (CN)] were used to determine the antibacterial activity against P. acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris. The crust extract was found more effective, which gave 28 mm of inhibition zone with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging 600–750 mgml; leave and fruit extracts gave 20 mm (MIC: 700–900 mgml ) and 14 mm ( MIC: 1000–1200 mgml ) of inhibition zones, respectively; and the antibiotics Gentamicin and Cloxacillin gave 28 mm of inhibition zone followed by other antibiotics. The study evidenced the antibacterial activity of extracts of P. granatum L. (leaves, fruits, and crusts) against P. acnes in comparison with the selected antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of acne vulgaris.