Project Abstract

Abstract
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a significant challenge in the field of medicine, leading to a renewed interest in alternative antimicrobial agents. Honey has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for various ailments, including wound infections. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of honey on three common wound pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Wound swab samples were collected from patients with infected wounds, and bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques. The antibacterial activity of honey was tested using the agar well diffusion method. Different types of honey, including Manuka honey and wildflower honey, were evaluated for their efficacy against the test bacteria. The results showed that honey exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all three bacterial strains tested. Manuka honey, known for its potent antibacterial properties, showed the highest activity, followed by wildflower honey. The zone of inhibition around the wells containing honey indicated the extent of bacterial growth inhibition, with larger zones correlating to greater antibacterial activity. Further analysis revealed that the antibacterial activity of honey was concentration-dependent, with higher concentrations leading to larger zones of inhibition. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of honey were determined for each bacterial strain, providing valuable information on the effective concentration range for inhibiting bacterial growth. Moreover, honey demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, inhibiting both Gram-positive (S. aureus and S. pyogenes) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. This broad activity suggests that honey could be a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating wound infections caused by a variety of bacterial pathogens. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant antibacterial activity of honey against common wound pathogens, suggesting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent for wound care. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of honey's antibacterial action and optimize its use in clinical settings.

Project Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTIONInfections and other health related problems have been of great concern to human beings and chemotherapy is the main approach in the treatment of such conditions. Investigation into the microbial flora of wound began in the late 19th century and since then; improvements in techniques have facilitated the recovery, identification and enumeration of a wide variety of microbial species. Most wounds support relatively stable polymicrobial communities (Bowkler, et.al; 2001) often without signs of clinical infection (Hansson,et al; 1993).However, potential pathogens may be present and the delicate balance between colonized wound and an infected wound depends on the interplay of complex host and microbial influences (Emmerson, 1998). The development of wound infection has deleterious effect onpatients by causing increased pain, discomfort, inconveniences and can lead to life threatening conditions or even death.Major challenges encountered with antibiotics in clinical use are resistance to antibiotics which leads eventually to failure of the treatment (Blair 2004). Infectious diseases are known to be treated with herbal remedies throughout the history of mankind; even today, natural substances continue to play a major role in primary health care as therapeutic remedies in many developing countries (Jonathan, et.al; 2007). Over the years, there have been reports of the production of more potent antibiotics e.g. third and fourth generation of cephalosporin by pharmaceutical companies which are not readily available and expensive. Problems of various antibiotics include low efficacy, side effect which has lead investigations into natural and potent antibacterial seeming to be the right step to take. The invasion of pathogenic organism is on the rise as a result, effects are been made to develop antibacterial agent from natural sources for bettertherapeutic effect (Gills, 1992). The therapies have drawn the interest of both public and medicinal communities. Current research has been focused on herbal and aromatherapy product. However, a number of their product such as honey has shown therapeutic promise.The presence in honey of various inhibins as described by (Doid and Dzaio, 1937) has been reported by several investigators. Honey was used to treat infected wound as long as 2000 years ago before bacterial were discovered to be the cause of infection in c.50 AD, Dioscorides described honey as been -good for all rotten and hollow ulcers” (Gunther, 1959). More recently, honey has been reported to have an inhibitory effect to around 60 species of bacterial including aerobes and anaerobes, Gram positive and Gram negative (Molan, 1992). The current prevalence of the therapeutic use of ancient remedies, include honey committee on science and technology.1.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES1. To determine antibacterial potential of honey.2. To investigate the mechanism of antibacterial action of honey.3. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of honey on bacterial isolates from wounds of human beings.4. To yield additional knowledge such as the possible dilution of honey sample and activity of the honey sample in bacterial infection.