Staphylococcus aureus is a classic pathogenic microorganism commonly recognized as etiological agent of community and nosocomial infections. Considering the knowledge of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Alecrim-pimenta) biological properties, this study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of the extract from this plant in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus from hospitalized humans. The Agar Mueller-Hinton diffusion method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibition Concentration of the extract. The anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity of Lippia sidoides Cham. extract was noted by the large growth inhibition zones (9 to 27 mm); all tested samples were sensitive to the action of Lippia sidoides Cham. extract until the dilution of 1:16 (0.053 g mL-1). Under the conditions adopted in the present study, these results show the promising anti-staphylococcal property of Lippia sidoides Cham. extract.
"alecrim-pimenta"; antimicrobial activity; nosocomial infection; Lippia sidoides; Staphylococcus aureus
