The Use of Ageratum Conyzoides L. [Asteraceae] As A Therapeutic Measure In The Treatment Of Breast Myiasis Sores In Rural Women And Associated Bacteria

This study reports for the first time on the use of ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides in women with breast myiasis. A total of fifty rural women were examined [ages 18-62 years old] and 17.25% had breast myiasis at the fishing settlements at Okoikri and Oyorokotor of Rivers State Nigeria. Women with cutaneous breast myiasis were treated with ethanolic leaf extracts of Ageratum conyzoides. Different numbers of maggots were extracted from the breasts and 92.7% of nursing mothers had their sores healed after the application of ethanolicic extract of A. Conyzoides. After the extraction of larvae of Cordylobia anthropophaga, the application of ethanolic extract of A. Conyzoides extract caused the dryness of the open sores. The microbiological quality of the leaves, stem, flower and consortium of the leaves, stem and flower of Ageratum conyzoides was assessed showing the presence of some species of bacteria. Microbial quality of the plant parts was done to assess the presence of bacteria in the leaves, stems and flowers parts. The consortium of leaves, stem and flower had the highest bacterial count followed by the leaves, stem and flower. Total bacterial counts of the leaves, stem, flower and consortium were 2.5×10 cfu/g,1.6×10 cfu/g,6.6×10cfu/g and 1.3×10 cfu/g respectively. Bacterial isolates identified included Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The implication of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Eschericia coli to public health are of great significance.