DOES BLACK GRAPE JUICE INHIBIT BACTERIAL ADHERENCE AND BIOFILM PRODUCTION BY UROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI JUST AS CRANBERRY JUICE

Background and objectives: Cranberry juice is known to prevent urinary tract infections. One of the important mechanisms of pathogenesis by uropathogens is the production of biofilms and bacterial adherence which is usually prevented by cranberry juice. However, Cranberry is mainly found in America and an alternative source needs to be found. This study was therefore undertaken to study the effect of black grape juice on bacterial adherence and biofilm formation and conclude if it could be an alternative to cranberry juice. Methods: The effect of cranberry juice and black grape juice on bacterial adherence was studied by using the method of Jackson and Fowler. Production of biofilms by the uropathogens was done by the method of O’Toole and Kolter and the effect of cranberry juice and blackgrape juice on biofilm production was studied. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of adherent bacteria after exposure to Cranberry juice as well as to black grape juice. Likewise, there was a significant decrease in biofilm production in the presence of cranberry juice and black grape juice. Interpretation and Conclusion: Cranberry juice and blackgrape juice cause significant decrease in biofilm production and prevent adherence to epithelial cells. Therefore this study suggests that black grape juice may also be used in the prevention of UTI