Affiliation:
1. Department of Surgical, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are harmful bacteria in clinical settings and intensive care particularly. Honey was shown to be effective against a range of different bacteria and in low concentrations.
Aim of Study:
The aim of the study was to test locally available cheap honey on standard S. aureus and locally grown MRSA in the laboratory.
Methods:
Three samples of German honey were tested on agar plates in concentrations from 100% to 10% on standard S. aureus subsp. S. aureus ATCC 25923. Then, they were tested on 20 specimens of locally grown MRSA specimens.
Results:
The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) zones of honey on standard S. aureus ranged from 27.4 mm to 24.5 mm without dilution, and from 3.7 mm to 1.9 mm in 20% concentration. The mean MIC zones of honey on MRSA specimens in full concentration ranged from 27.1 mm to 25.2 mm.
Conclusion:
The three German samples of honey were found to have good and effective antibacterial activities on the standard S. aureus and MRSA organisms. It is recommended that the use of locally available cheap German honey as an antiseptic on wounds will not only reduce the cost of antiseptics in the hospital but also ensures the speedy rate of wound healing and reduce the risk of hospital cross-infection with MRSA.