Whole genome sequence data of the multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis-MN029, a model bacterial strain for the evaluation of antibacterial activity from selected native plant extracts.

Antimicrobial resistance remains a significant global and One Health threat, owing to the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics against rapidly evolving multidrug-resistant bacteria, and the limited innovative research towards the development of new antibiotic therapeutics. In this article, we present the whole-genome sequence data of Proteus mirabilis-MN029 obtained from highly accurate long-read PacBioⓇ HiFi technology. The antibacterial activities of the selected African native plant species were also evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Acquired antibiotic resistance genes and chromosomal mutations corresponding to antibiotics of clinical importance were identified from genomic data. Using ethlyl acetate as solvent, Pterocarpus angolensis leaf extracts showed the most promising antibacterial effects against Proteus mirabilis-MN029. These datasets will be useful for future experimental research aimed at designing new antibacterial drugs from plant extracts that are effective alone or in combination with existing antibiotics to overcome multidrug-resistance mechanisms.

Potential of Selected African Medicinal Plants as Alternative Therapeutics against Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance is considered a "One-Health" problem, impacting humans, animals, and the environment. The problem of the rapid development and spread of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics is a rising global health threat affecting both rich and poor nations. Low- and middle-income countries are at highest risk, in part due to the lack of innovative research on the surveillance and discovery of novel therapeutic options. Fast and effective drug discovery is crucial towards combatting antimicrobial resistance and reducing the burden of infectious diseases. African medicinal plants have been used for millennia in folk medicine to cure many diseases and ailments. Over 10% of the Southern African vegetation is applied in traditional medicine, with over 15 species being partially or fully commercialized. These include the genera Euclea, Ficus, Aloe, Lippia. And Artemisia, amongst many others. Bioactive compounds from indigenous medicinal plants, alone or in combination with existing antimicrobials, offer promising solutions towards overcoming multi-drug resistance. Secondary metabolites have different mechanisms and modes of action against bacteria, such as the inhibition and disruption of cell wall synthesis; inhibition of DNA replication and ATP synthesis; inhibition of quorum sensing; inhibition of AHL or oligopeptide signal generation, broadcasting, and reception; inhibition of the formation of biofilm; disruption of pathogenicity activities; and generation of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this review is to highlight some promising traditional medicinal plants found in Africa and provide insights into their secondary metabolites as alternative options in antibiotic therapy against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Additionally, synergism between plant secondary metabolites and antibiotics has been discussed.