Abstract

This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of coconut oil and its fatty acid( lauric acid) on selected clinical isolates. Clinical isolates were obtained from the General Hospital Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. Media preparation and biochemical examination of the organisms were done according to standard methods. Organisms used were StaphylococcusaureusStreptococcus species, Lactobacillus species and Escherichia coli. Coconut oil was extracted through fermentation method were as lauric acids was esterified from coconut oil through freezing and were subjected to sterility test. Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion assay was used for the sensitivity assessment. Zones of inhibition were measured in diametre. Coconut oil showed resistant on the isolates at the various dilution concentrations. Lauric acid demonstrated significantly appreciable antim icrobial effect on the test organisms with the highest zone of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus (10.50)mm, Streptococcus speci es (10.00) mm, Lactobacillus species (10.00) mm and the lowest inhibition on Escherichia coli (4.00)mm even at the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).Escherichia coli which showed relatively low zone of inhibition even at the highest dilution concentration. The acid generally demonstrated appreciable sensitivity on the isolates with low effect on E. coli compare to other strains. This study recommends the use of coconut oil as therapeutic agent as well as in fighting antibiotic resistant since it contains lauric acid which is bactericidal. Further studies should be done on the oil and its derivative both in vitro and in vivo unveils its mechanisms of actions