The Effect of Resveratrol on Swarming Differentiation and the Expression of Some Virulence Factors in Proteus vulgaris

Abstract

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a stilbenoid, a type of natural phenol, and a phytoalexin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. It is produced naturally by several plants especially the roots of the Japanese Knotweed when under attack by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. In this study we have verified that resveratrol has activity against Proteus vulgaris, an important pathogen infecting the urinary tract by investigating its effect on swarming and some virulence factor expression(haemolysin and urease).Swarming inhibition was determined on Luria Bertani agar with and without resveratrol and then bacteria was harvested to assay cell length and the production of haemolysin and urease.  Resveratrol significantly inhibited swarming and virulence factor expression but its effect on growth rate was not significant.

Keywords: Resveratrol, Proteus vulgaris, phytoalexin, haemolysin, urease.