ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF HONEY ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUSESCHERICHIA COLI AND STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGEN ISOLATED FROM WOUND

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF HONEY ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUSESCHERICHIA COLI AND STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGEN ISOLATED FROM WOUND

ABSTRACT

The antibacterial efficacy of honey collected from two separate places in Enugu State (Nsukka and Ugwuaji, Nigeria) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogens isolated from wounds was investigated. The honey’s antibacterial activity against the test pathogens was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the two honey samples had strong antibacterial properties against the test organisms, and zones of inhibition were obtained that demonstrated high antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity increased with concentration, and Nsukka honey had significant antibacterial activity (clearer zone) against staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at all concentrations, as well as moderate action against streptococcus pyogens. Honey’s usage as a therapeutic ingredient has recently been rediscovered by the medical community, and it is increasingly being accepted as an antibacterial agent for the treatment of ulcers and bed sores, as well as various infections caused by burns and wounds.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Humans have always been concerned about infections and other health issues, and chemotherapy is the primary treatment method for many disorders.

Investigation into the microbial ecology of wounds began in the late nineteenth century, and advances in methodology have permitted the recovery, identification, and enumeration of a wide range of microbial species.

Most wounds contain reasonably persistent polymicrobial populations (Bowkler et al., 2001), which are often free of clinical infection (Hansson et al., 1993).

However, potential pathogens may be present, and the delicate balance between colonised and infected wounds is determined by the interaction of complex host and microbial factors (Emmerson, 1998).

Wound infection has a negative impact on patients by causing greater pain, discomfort, and annoyance, as well as potentially leading to life-threatening complications or death.

Resistance to antibiotics is a major obstacle in clinical use, and it finally leads to treatment failure (Blair 2004). Herbal remedies have been used to treat infectious diseases throughout history, and natural substances continue to play an important role in basic health care as therapeutic remedies in many underdeveloped countries (Jonathan et al; 2007).

Over the years, there have been stories of pharmaceutical companies producing more effective antibiotics, such as the third and fourth generation of cephalosporin, which are not widely available and are pricey.

The low efficacy and adverse effects of numerous antibiotics have led to investigations into natural and strong antibacterials, which appear to be the proper step to pursue.

The invasion of harmful organisms is increasing, hence efforts are being undertaken to create antibacterial agents from natural sources for greater therapeutic impact (Gills, 1992).

The therapies have piqued the interest of the public and the medical community. Current research focusses on herbal and aromatherapy products. However, certain of their products, such as honey, have demonstrated therapeutic promise.

Several scientists have reported the existence of different inhibins in honey, as detailed by Doid and Dzaio (1937). Honey was used to treat infected wounds as long as 2000 years ago, before bacteria were identified to be the cause of illness in approximately 50 AD.

Dioscorides characterised honey as “good for all rotten and hollow ulcers” (Gunther, 1959). Honey has recently been shown to inhibit approximately 60 types of bacteria, including aerobes and anaerobes, Gramme positive and Gramme negative (Molan, 1992).

The present popularity of the medicinal use of ancient remedies includes honey, according to the Science and Technology Committee.

1.1 Aims and Objectives

1. Determine the antibacterial potential of honey.

2. To research the mechanism of honey’s antibacterial effect.

3. Determine the lowest inhibitory concentration of honey for bacterial isolates from human wounds.

4. To provide further information, such as the potential dilution of the honey sample and its action in bacterial infection.