Inhibition of swarming behaviour in Proteus mirabilis by Pelargonium graveolens essential oil.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti-swarming potential of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil against the Proteus isolate. Materials and methods: The effect of sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil and aroma-chemicals was studied on swarming differentiation of urinary Proteus mirabilis isolate. The parameters under study were number of concentric rings and diameter of swarm fronts. Results and Discussion: The concentrations of P. graveolens essential oil ranging from 1.12-8.96 mg/ml showed a pronounced reduction in the diameter of the colony as a function of time. Evident reduction in the number of concentric rings was also observed due to the incorporation of P. graveolens essential oil at 8.96 mg/ml and 4.48 mg/ml concentrations. Conclusion: Hence, the inhibition of swarming by P. graveolens essential oil suggests its potential to be developed as a product for preventing P. mirabilis infections.