Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Gaultheria procumbens Essential Oil Against Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains

The oral biofilm contains a wide variety of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, which are responsible for the development of various infections, such as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is of infectious and inflammatory origin, caused by the present in the biofilm. It acts by destroying the protective and supporting tissues of the dental elements, involving local, systemic, environmental, and genetic factors. Studies show that periodontal disease is directly related to various systemic morbidities, among which we can highlight respiratory problems, where nosocomial pneumonia has stood out, as there is a relationship between it and the microorganisms present in the oral cavity, among which we can highlight Klebsiella pneumoniae. The resistance of this bacteria to antimicrobials has become increasingly frequent, so the search for alternative treatments has been increasing, among them natural products, especially essential oils, as they have numerous therapeutic activities against various microorganisms, among them we will highlight the essential oil of Gaultheria procumbens which has antimicrobial, anti-adherent, anti-inflammatory activities, among others. The aim of this research is to analyze the possible antimicrobial and anti-adherent potential of Gaultheria procumbens essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. To carry out this research, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) technique was used, which was determined by the microdilution technique in plates containing 96 sterile holes the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) will be read 48 hours after the MIC, using plates with 96 holes. The Minimum Adherence Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was carried out in glass tubes, using a medium with 5% sucrose. This research showed that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ranged from 256 μg/mL to 512 μg/mL, and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) ranged from 1024 μg/mL to 256 μg/mL. It showed strong and moderate antibacterial, bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects and no anti-adherent effect. The strains tested showed strong and moderate effects on the MIC, and bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects on the MBC, and no anti-adherent effect on the MIC.