Antibacterial Activity of Honey on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes Isolated from Wounds

Abstract

Aim: To assess the antibacterial activity of crude honey obtained from Ishielu Local Government of Ebonyi State on pathogenic bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus pyogenes) isolated from wounds. Study Design: An experimental study which involved a random selection of patients with wound Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria, between February 2019 and November 2019. Methodology: A total of 50 samples of wound swabs collected from different sites of open wounds were cultured on blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar. The crude honey was diluted to concentrations ranging from 20% to 100% and the antibacterial activity was carried out by well diffusion method with augmentin used as a control. Result: Out of the 50 samples, 43 showed growth of bacterial species isolated, identified and confirmed using standard bacteriological techniques. Staphylococcus aureus (60.5%) was the most frequent isolates, followed by Escherichia coli (27.9%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (11.6%). All the tested bacterial isolates were susceptible to the honey and the number of isolates as well as the diameter of zone of inhibition was positively linearly correlated with increasing concentration of the honey (p= 0.00). At 100% honey, 22 (22.25±0.46 mm) out of 26 Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible as against 8 (4.62±0.31 mm) at 20% honey.  The number of Escherichia coli inhibited at 20% honey was 2 (1.96±0.04 mm) out of 12 isolated and at 100%, 7 (19.17±0.31 mm) were inhibited. At 20% honey, no Streptococcus pyogenes was inhibited and at 100%, 4 (21.84±0.15 mm) out of 5 isolated were inhibited. Conclusion: Locally produced crude honey may be used as a source of an effective antibacterial agent for wound management.