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Manuka honey as a non-antibiotic alternative against Staphylococcus spp. and their small colony variant (SCVs)
Laura A Onyango1, Jiawei Liang1
1Department of Biology, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada.
Abstract:
The antibiotic resistance (ABR) crisis is an urgent global health priority. Staphylococci are among the problematic bacteria contributing to this emergency owing to their recalcitrance to many clinically important antibiotics. Staphylococcal pathogenesis is further complicated by the presence of small colony variants (SCVs), a bacterial subpopulation displaying atypical characteristics including retarded growth, prolific biofilm formation, heightened antibiotic tolerance, and enhanced intracellular persistence. These capabilities severely impede current chemotherapeutics, resulting in chronic infections, poor patient outcomes, and significant economic burden. Tackling ABR requires alternative measures beyond the conventional options that have dominated treatment regimens over the past 8 decades. Non-antibiotic therapies are gaining interest in this arena, including the use of honey, which despite having ancient therapeutic roots has now been reimagined as an alternative treatment beyond just traditional topical use, to include the treatment of an array of difficult-to-treat staphylococcal infections. This literature review focused on Manuka honey (MH) and its efficacy as an anti-staphylococcal treatment. We summarized the studies that have used this product and the technologies employed to study the antibacterial mechanisms that render MH a suitable agent for the management of problematic staphylococcal infections, including those involving staphylococcal SCVs. We also discussed the status of staphylococcal resistance development to MH and other factors that may impact its efficacy as an alternative therapy to help combat ABR.
Insights
Manuka honey shows promise as an alternative treatment for antibiotic-resistant staphylococcal infections, including challenging small colony variants (SCVs). Further research is needed to understand resistance development and optimize its use against the antibiotic resistance (ABR) crisis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a critical global health threat, with staphylococci posing significant challenges due to their resistance to common antibiotics.
- Small colony variants (SCVs) of staphylococci exhibit traits like slow growth, biofilm formation, and increased persistence, complicating treatment and leading to chronic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of Manuka honey (MH) as an anti-staphylococcal treatment.
- To explore the antibacterial mechanisms of MH against staphylococcal infections, including SCVs.
- To discuss potential staphylococcal resistance to MH and factors influencing its therapeutic effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating Manuka honey's anti-staphylococcal properties.
- Analysis of technologies used to elucidate MH's antibacterial mechanisms.
- Examination of research on staphylococcal resistance development to MH.
Main Results:
- Manuka honey demonstrates anti-staphylococcal activity, offering a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics.
- MH exhibits efficacy against staphylococcal small colony variants (SCVs), which are notoriously difficult to treat.
- The review highlights the need to understand MH's mechanisms and potential resistance development for its optimal application.
Conclusions:
- Manuka honey presents a viable non-antibiotic therapeutic option for managing staphylococcal infections, including those caused by SCVs.
- Understanding the mechanisms and potential for resistance is crucial for integrating MH into ABR management strategies.
- MH offers a promising avenue to combat the escalating antibiotic resistance crisis.
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