Plants have been used for therapeutic purposes against various human ailments for several centuries. Plant-derived natural compounds have been implemented in clinics against microbial diseases. Unfortunately, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has significantly reduced the efficacy of existing standard antimicrobials. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to discover new antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant pathogens. In the present article, we have discussed the importance of plant metabolites in the context of their medicinal applications and elaborated on their mechanism of antimicrobial action against human pathogens. The WHO has categorized some drug-resistant bacteria and fungi as critical and high priority based on the need to develope new drugs, and we have considered the plant metabolites that target these bacteria and fungi. We have also emphasized the role of phytochemicals that target deadly viruses such as COVID-19, Ebola, and dengue. Additionally, we have also elaborated on the synergetic effect of plant-derived compounds with standard antimicrobials against clinically important microbes. Overall, this article provides an overview of the importance of considering phytogenous compounds in the development of antimicrobial compounds as therapeutic agents against drug-resistant microbes.

The article delves into the complex interplay between human oral health and interactions with animals. While we typically associate maintaining oral health with routine practices like brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, it is vital to recognize the influence of activities involving animals on our overall well-being. Although animal bites are relatively uncommon, they can result in dental issues. Moreover, these injuries carry the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms from the animal's mouth, potentially leading to illnesses. Pasteurella species, particularly Pasteurella multocida, are frequently encountered in cases of animal bites, underscoring the importance of appropriate treatment. The microbiome of the biting animal can also impact the recipient's oral flora, affecting the wound. Dental professionals who frequently interact with animals, such as veterinarians, animal caregivers, and zookeepers, confront distinct challenges in maintaining oral hygiene due to constant exposure to animal dander, saliva, and potential infections. Neglecting oral hygiene or infrequent dental care can exacerbate these risks, potentially resulting in conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections. Additionally, allergies and asthma related to animal exposure can indirectly influence dental health. The article also touches upon the impact of diseases such as COVID-19, mucormycosis, and Capnocytophaga gingivalis infection on oral health. For example, Bartonellosis, caused by Bartonella henselae, can lead to oral ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and lockjaw. Similarly, rabies, typically transmitted through animal bites, can cause excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, and muscle spasms, affecting oral health. In conclusion, this article highlights the importance of considering animal-related factors in oral health. It underscores the need for proper wound management, timely prophylactic measures, and comprehensive care when dealing with animal-related injuries or zoonotic diseases to prevent both short-term and long-term oral health complications.

Urochloa ramosa is a plant of the wet, seasonally dry and semi-arid tropics. It is also known as Bracharia ramosa or Brown top millet. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals in methanol extracts were performed by standard methods. Partially purified phenolics from the methanol extract of leaf sample was subjected for different biological activities. In vitro antimicrobial activity was executed on Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Proteus, Salmonella and Escherichia coli (Gram negative) bacteria and Candida albicans (yeast type fungi). Minimum inhibitory concentration was calculated by Resazurin method. In-vitro antioxidant assay was conducted by DPPH radical, NO. radical, superoxide anion radical scavenging assays and OH radical scavenging activity by DNA protection assay using BHT as the reference compound. IC50 value of methanol extract for each of these assays was calculated. Albumin denaturation assay, antiproteinase activity and membrane stabilization were performed to test the anti-inflammatory potential at various concentrations of methanol extract of U.ramosa. In vivo anti-angiogenesis activity was carried out by shell less chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. In the antimicrobial activity we found that Staphylococcus aureus showed considerable susceptiblity with the MIC value of 145μg and Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most resistant with the MIC value of 378μg/ml. IC50 of 10.10µg/ml, IC50 of 17.32µg/ml and IC50 of 25.12µg/ml demonstrated antioxidant activities of methanol extract of U. ramosa by scavenging DPPH, NO. and superoxide anion radicals respectively. At 100µg/ml concentration, methanol extract significantly protected DNA against the effect of hydroxyl radicals. Protein denaturation was protected between concentrations 100-500µg/ml of methanol extract, maximum proteinase inhibitory activity was significantly found at 500µg/ml concentration and even haemolysis (heat and hypotonicity induced) was prevented considerably at 500µg/ml of methanol extract. Inhibition of proliferation of capillaries was observed in chorioallantoic membrane assay proving methanol extract’s antiangiogenic property. The leaves of Urochloa ramosa are basically enriched with natural phenolics with multitudinous biological potencies that can represent a promising class as bioactive molecules.

Soil contains an enormous diversity of microorganisms and can act as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance determinants. This study identified and compared the bacterial diversity and the antimicrobial resistance profile of clinically-relevant isolates around a newly developed hospital and university precinct. Eight soil samples were collected, genomic DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. Bacterial isolates cultured from the soil were identified using MALDI-TOF. Antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) was performed on a subset of isolates. The soil from both precincts were similarly diverse. Phylum Proteobacteria was prevalent in all samples and was the most abundant in one of the hospital sites. Cyanobacteria was abundant in two hospital sites closer to a sewage treatment plant. Bacterial diversity was only significantly different between two of the hospital sites. A total of 22 Gram-negative organisms were isolated by culture. AST revealed that the soil isolates from both precincts exhibited low resistance. The unidentified bacteria closer to the hospital precinct with human interactions possibly hints at the role of anthropogenic activities on the soil microbial diversity. The abundance of Proteobacteria (causing majority of human infections) and Cyanobacteria nearer to the hospital premises, comprising more immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals, is concerning.