Submission ID 117772
| Issue/Objective | The growing threat of antibiotic resistance has led to increasing interest in alternative antimicrobial agents. Honey has been traditionally used for its antibacterial properties, but its potential as a standardized therapeutic agent remains underexplored. This study evaluates the in vitro antibacterial activity of honey against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, two common pathogens associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), and discusses its potential integration into innovative antimicrobial strategies. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A cross-sectional laboratory study was conducted using honey samples obtained from local commercial producers in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The samples were diluted to concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v). Clinical isolates of S. aureus and E. coli were obtained from UTI patients and confirmed using standard microbiological techniques. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Mueller-Hinton agar plates were inoculated with standardized bacterial suspensions, and wells were filled with different honey concentrations. Gentamicin (10 µg) and Ofloxacin (5 µg) served as antibiotic controls. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and inhibition zones were measured. |
| Results | Undiluted honey (100%) exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 16-24 mm for S. aureus and 19-22 mm for E. coli. The antibacterial efficacy of honey was superior to Gentamicin but comparable to Ofloxacin. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the mean inhibition zones across different honey concentrations, suggesting a consistent antibacterial effect. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This study demonstrates that honey possesses significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli isolates from UTI patients. Given the global challenge of antibiotic resistance, honey presents a promising alternative or complementary antimicrobial agent. To harness its full potential, further research should focus on standardizing honey for medical use, isolating its bioactive compounds, and leveraging biotechnology for formulation into clinically viable antimicrobial products. Additionally, artificial intelligence and digital health tools could be used to analyze patterns of antimicrobial resistance and optimize honey-based therapeutic interventions. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Amina Ibrahim National Open University of Nigeria Amina Ibrahim National Open University of Nigeria Amina Ibrahim National Open University of Nigeria |
