Effect of Ocimum Sanctum Bio Compounds against csuE Gene Protein of Acinetobacter baumanii

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacillus that is aerobic, pleomorphic and non-motile. Multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation contributes to the virulence and pathogenicity of the bacterium. Among many virulence factors, csuE is critical for initiation and assembly, showing much homology to type 1 and P pili. With much propensity of drug resistance, in recent years alternative medications have spurred renewed interest in targeting potent pathogens. Ocimum sanctum, also known as holy basil or tulsi possess various bio-active properties and can be used as alternative medicine to treat systemic ailments.

Aim: This study was aimed to analyze the drug-ligand interactions between csuE protein of A. baumannii and the bio-compounds from O.sanctum using in-silico docking analysis.

Material and Methods: csuE protein was retrieved and optimisation of protein was done. Ligands were selected and were assessed for drug likeness using molinspiration parameters. Further the compounds were subjected for docking analysis and the interacted molecules were visualized for binding energy and hydrogen bonds.

Results: Out of the 9 compounds of Ocimum sanctum, benzofuran showed good interaction with csuE protein of Acinetobacter baumannii with a least docking energy of -5.31Kcal/Mol.

Conclusion: The present study recommends benzofuran as the potent candidate for novel drug design to treat the infections caused by A.baumannii upon further evaluations for its safety and immunological response.