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Medical-grade honey kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria in vitro and eradicates skin colonization
Paulus H S Kwakman1, Johannes P C Van den Akker, Ahmet Güçlü
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Antibiotic resistance among microbes urgently necessitates the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Since ancient times, honey has been used successfully for treatment of infected wounds, because of its antibacterial activity. However, large variations in the in vitro antibacterial activity of various honeys have been reported and hamper its acceptance in modern medicine.
Methods:
We assessed the in vitro bactericidal activity of Revamil (Bfactory), a medical-grade honey produced under controlled conditions, and assessed its efficacy for reduction of forearm skin colonization in healthy volunteers in a within-subject-controlled trial.
Results:
With Bacillus subtilis as a test strain, we demonstrated that the variation in bactericidal activity of 11 batches of medical-grade honey was <2-fold. Antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Klebsiella oxytoca were killed within 24 h by 10%-40% (vol/vol) honey. After 2 days of application of honey, the extent of forearm skin colonization in healthy volunteers was reduced 100-fold (P < .001), and the numbers of positive skin cultures were reduced by 76% (P < .001).
Conclusions:
Revamil is a promising topical antimicrobial agent for prevention or treatment of infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Insights
Medical-grade honey effectively kills bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. This study shows Revamil significantly reduced skin colonization in healthy volunteers, offering a promising topical antimicrobial treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance necessitates novel antimicrobial agents.
- Honey possesses historical antibacterial properties but shows variable efficacy.
- Inconsistent in vitro activity of honey hinders clinical acceptance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro bactericidal activity of medical-grade honey (Revamil).
- To assess Revamil's efficacy in reducing skin colonization in healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Assessed in vitro bactericidal activity of 11 batches of Revamil against various bacteria.
- Conducted a within-subject-controlled trial on healthy volunteers to measure reduction in skin colonization.
Main Results:
- Medical-grade honey exhibited consistent bactericidal activity (<2-fold variation).
- Honey killed antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant bacteria (e.g., S. aureus, E. coli) within 24 hours at 10%-40% concentrations.
- Two days of honey application reduced forearm skin colonization by 100-fold and positive cultures by 76%.
Conclusions:
- Revamil demonstrates potent and consistent antimicrobial activity.
- The medical-grade honey is a promising topical agent for preventing or treating infections.
- Effective against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.
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