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Manuka honey in combination with azithromycin shows potential for improved activity against Mycobacterium abscessus
Victoria C Nolan1, James Harrison1, Jonathan A G Cox1
1School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
Abstract:
Mycobacterium abscessus is an increasingly prevalent opportunistic pathogen causing both pulmonary and skin and soft tissue infections. It is of increasing concern for immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cystic fibrosis, due to its highly drug resistant nature and ability to evade the host immune system. Current treatments for M. abscessus pulmonary infections are largely ineffective and treatment outcomes are generally poor, thus we urgently require new treatments to combat these infections. Recently, it has been demonstrated that manuka honey is effective against M. abscessus and can improve the inhibitory effect of amikacin. Here, we explore the potential improvement of both azithromycin and tobramycin with the addition of manuka honey against M. abscessus complex. Improved growth inhibition was observed for azithromycin with manuka honey against all M. abscessus subspecies. Improved bactericidal activity was also observed. Importantly, the macrolide resistant M. abscessus subsp. bolletii showed improved inhibition and bactericidal activity was obtained in response to 0.117 g/mL manuka honey MGO40 with 16 µg/mL azithromycin. No improved activity was observed for tobramycin and manuka honey against any of the M. abscessus isolates tested. This demonstrates the potential for antibiotic enhancement by the addition of manuka honey, furthering the applications of therapeutic manuka honey.
Insights
Manuka honey enhances azithromycin
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Mycobacterium abscessus is a drug-resistant opportunistic pathogen causing severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Current treatments for M. abscessus infections are often ineffective, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Manuka honey has shown promise as an antimicrobial agent against M. abscessus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effects of manuka honey with azithromycin and tobramycin against Mycobacterium abscessus complex.
- To determine if manuka honey can enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics against drug-resistant M. abscessus strains.
Main Methods:
- The study tested combinations of manuka honey (MGO40) with azithromycin and tobramycin against various M. abscessus subspecies.
- Growth inhibition and bactericidal activity were assessed for each combination.
- Specific concentrations of manuka honey (0.117 g/mL) and azithromycin (16 µg/mL) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Manuka honey significantly improved the growth inhibition and bactericidal activity of azithromycin against all M. abscessus subspecies.
- Notably, macrolide-resistant M. abscessus subsp. bolletii showed enhanced inhibition and bactericidal effects with the azithromycin-manuka honey combination.
- No synergistic effect was observed when manuka honey was combined with tobramycin.
Conclusions:
- Manuka honey can potentiate the activity of azithromycin against Mycobacterium abscessus, including drug-resistant strains.
- This finding highlights the potential of therapeutic manuka honey as an adjunct therapy to improve antibiotic efficacy.
- Further research into manuka honey-antibiotic combinations could lead to improved treatments for M. abscessus infections.
