The antimicrobial activity of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil against Staphylococcus species in a hospital environment

Abstract

Abstract In the present research, the antibacterial power of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil in environmental contexts was investigated. This plant extract, known in literature for its antibiotic effects, was vaporized in five different public areas of the Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital and the microbial contamination was monitored by settle plate sampling method and qPCR assay, for a period of three months. In detail, Staphylococcus hominis, S. haemolyticus, S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and methicillin-resistant micro-organisms were detected and quantified in each studied hospital ward and their concentrations were compared to those previously obtained in the same sites not subjected to essential oil treatment. The data showed that lavender essential oil reduced the number of bacteria in all hospital areas and that this phenomenon was even significant in some cases. This evidence suggests the potential application of plant essential oils as natural products for sanitizing hospital environments.