Antimicrobial properties of coconut oil against some important public health Microorganism:- Erondu, Vivian C

ABSTRACT

The susceptibility of sonic microorganisms of public health importance; aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Salmonella species Candida albicans to coconut oil was determined. Among the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest susceptibility (measured a diameter zone of inhibition) of 18.0mm at 100% followed by Escherichia coli. 16.3mm at 100%. The least susceptibility was recorded by Pseudomonas species which had 12.0nnn at 100%. For the fungi, the highest susceptibility was 19.7mm at 100% while the least susceptibility was 11.7mm at 50%. In comparison with standard antibiotics (Gentamycin and chloramphenicol) and antifungi agents (Amphotericin B and Fluconazole), coconut competed favourably. The highest relative percentage potency was 164.4% and 164.6% (Gentamycin and Chloroinphenicol) at 100% by Salmonella species and Pseudomonas aeurginosa while the fungal had 160.2% and 95.2% (Fluconazole and Amphotericin B) 100% and the result confirmed coconut possessing antibacterial and antifungi properties and can be used lor the treatinent of infection caused by the tested organisms.