Effect of United States buckwheat honey on antibiotic-resistant hospital acquired pathogens

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Rising antibiotic resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
• Honey presents a potential alternative treatment for infections.
• Hospital-acquired infections pose a significant public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of four Wisconsin honeys against hospital-acquired pathogens.
• To determine if the antibacterial effect of honey is solely due to its sugar content.

Main Methods:

• Broth dilution method used to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).
• Thirteen diverse pathogens tested, including *Clostridium difficile*, MRSA, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, and VRE.
• Pathogens exposed to varying concentrations (1-50% w/v) of four Wisconsin honeys and artificial honey.

Main Results:

• Wisconsin buckwheat honey demonstrated a predominantly bactericidal effect against tested pathogens.
• *C. difficile* isolates showed increased sensitivity to buckwheat honey.
• Artificial honey at 50% concentration did not exhibit bactericidal activity; high sugar content alone does not explain buckwheat honey's efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Wisconsin buckwheat honey exhibits significant potential as a therapeutic agent against resistant pathogens.
• Further research is warranted to explore buckwheat honey's role in combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Buckwheat honey may serve as a valuable addition to the therapeutic options for treating resistant infections.