Effect of Satureja essential oils on biofilm formation and hemolysin production in Staphylococcus aureus

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection is a problematic subject in the world. The aim of this study was an evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of four species of Satureja essential oils on biofilm formation and hemolysin production in S. aureus. MIC of Satureja essential oils (Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad, Satureja bachtiarica Bunge, Satureja rechingeri Jamzad, Satureja mutica Fisch. & C. A. Mey.) were determined by micro dilution broth method against standard strains of S. aureus ATCC 29213(MSSA) & ATCC 33591(MRSA). Sub- MICs of Satureja essential oils were used to assay biofilm formation and hemolysin production. The results showed that all essential oils had antimicrobial effect against standard strains of S. aureus. In the presence of sub- MICs of essential oils, biofilm formation and hemolysin production were significantly reduced. The results show the potent antimicrobial effects of Saturejaessential oils against S. aureus and more study is recommended to use it in controlling S. aureus infections.