PHYTOTHERAPY AGAINST UROPATHOGEN BIOFILMS IN CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS: A REVIEW

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are the most common healthcare-associated infections. It remains a significant clinical challenge largely due to the ability of uropathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to form strong biofilms on catheter surfaces. These biofilms protect bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses, contributing to persistent and recurrent infections. Current prevention measures tend to be expensive and may promote resistance development. Phytotherapy has emerged as one promising field of study. This review consolidates existing research on the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities of various plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica (neem), Piper betle (betel), Brassica nigra (mustard seeds) against catheter-associated urinary tract infection pathogens, summarizing methodologies and key findings. Reported studies demonstrate that bioactive compounds can inhibit bacterial adhesion, suppress quorum sensing and disrupt extracellular polymeric substance formation on catheters surfaces. Overall, the review supports phytotherapy as eco-friendly, and affordable way to manage catheter-associated urinary tract infections.