Evaluation of the medicinal potentials of honey against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various forms of wound infections

Abstract

The rise of multidrug-resistant microbial species is a major public health problem worldwide. Complementary natural sources with antimicrobial potentials, including plants and plant-based products such as honey, are currently receiving great attention. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the medicinal potentials of honey by testing its antibacterial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates associated with wound infections. Clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected wounds such as sepsis, bite, surgical, laceration, and gunshots were obtained from Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina. The antibacterial activity of honey was assayed by the Agar well diffusion technique using different concentrations of honey: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of honey were also determined. The mean zone of inhibition of honey against the isolates ranged from 10.6 mm to 22.6 mm. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of honey at 100% (v/v) differed significantly compared to other concentrations. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of honey was determined to be 25% (v/v), while the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration was estimated to be 75% (v/v). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate from a gunshot wound was more susceptible to honey and ciprofloxacin (control) compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa from other wound types. This study's findings demonstrated honey's efficacy in treating wound infections. Natural products, such as honey, have enormous potential for combating antibiotic resistance. In vivo studies should be carried out to further study the impact of honey on biological systems.