Evaluation of the antibacterial potency of Thymus algeriensis essential oil against nosocomial bacterial strains

Introduction. The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, and the toll healthcare-associated infections have been causing globally with the development of human therapy increased the overall interest in alternative natural prevention and treatment strategies. Aromatic extracts generally and essential oils specifically were proposed as potential prevention, or complementary therapy against bacterial infections, especially the nosocomial ones.

Objectives. The Thymus genus, with its various species, was subject to investigation worldwide, and this study explored the in-vitro antibacterial activity of the formerly chemically identified Algerian northern central Thymus algeriensis.

Method. Three bacterial strains were employed (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) based on their prevalence in Algerian health institutions.

Results. The analysis revealed the sensitivity of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to the essential oil activity, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant. The results comparison to local and regional research groups’ outputs suggests that Linalool, a major component of the present study essential oil, is a main vector of the antibacterial activity, and its quantitative variation results in drastic activity shifts.

Conclusions.  This work highlighted the selective sensitivity of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to Thymus algeriensis essential oil and insist on the chemical identification of local aromatic species before aromatherapy implementation.