IMPACT OF SOLVENT TYPE ON THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF LEMON GRASS (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS) AGAINST MULTIPLE ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM POULTRY FARMS IN AKUNGBA-AKOKO

ABSTRACT Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major threat in poultry farming, causing diseases that lead to significant economic losses. These infections are often linked to poor hygiene and can spread through contaminated eggs, feces, and the respiratory tract. With the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, the search for alternative therapies has become essential. This study evaluated the antibacterial potential of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) extracts against multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates obtained from poultry samples. The isolates were identified using CHROMagar and tested for antibiotic susceptibility through the agar well diffusion method. Results showed that three isolates were resistant to five of the seven antibiotics tested, while another three were resistant to four. The antibacterial activity of lemon grass extracts varied depending on the solvent used. Methanol extracts showed the highest inhibitory effect, followed by ethanol, acetone, and n-hexane, although their zones of inhibition were smaller compared to synthetic antibiotics. These findings suggest that Cymbopogon citratus, particularly methanol extracts, possesses promising antibacterial activity and could serve as a potential natural alternative for managing antibiotic-resistant E. coli infections in poultry.