Evaluation of Biofilm Formation and Anti-biofilm Properties of Peganum Harmala and Crocus Sativus in Shigella Flexneri Clinical Isolates

Biofilm formation causes many serious problems in the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, chronic infections due to biofilm formation can pose a huge burden to the health care systems. Also, many bacteria are biofilm producers as an important strategy for pathogenicity. Furthermore, the traditional use of herbal medicines such as Peganum harmala and Crocus sativus in Iran is interesting.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the biofilm formation in Shigella flexneri clinical isolates and to evaluate the anti-biofilm properties of P. harmala and C. sativus on Shigella flexneri clinical isolates.

For the study purpose, Thirty S.flexneri clinical isolates were collected from Ahvaz, Iran. Then, the collected bacteria were subjected to biofilm formation assay. Afterward, P. harmala and C. sativus were applied as an anti-biofilm formation in S. flexneri.

Our results demonstrated that a significant number of samples were identified as strong biofilm producers. Then, P. harmala and C . sativus in a concentration of 30μg/ml and 60μg/ml were able to eradicate a strong biofilm formation in S. flexneri, respectively. In addition, it seems that more extensive studies and in vivo research should be done to confirm their properties.