Evaluation of Selected Pakistani Honeys in Comparison with Manuka Honey Against Vibrio cholerae

Abstract

Background: Antibacterial resistance in Vibrio cholerae has been reported in many parts of the world. Therefore, it is important to explore novel therapies which stand less chances of developing antimicrobial resistance. In this regard honey is getting worldwide attention because antibacterial resistance against honey is unlikely.

Objectives: To determine the antibacterial activity of locally produced Sidr (Ziziphus jujuba), Kalonji (Nigella sativa) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp) honey against twenty-six clinical isolates of Vibrio cholerae to compare the antibacterial activity of indigenous honey with medically graded Manuka honey.

Methodology: Identification of Vibrio cholerae was done by standard cultural, biochemical and serological methods. Susceptibility pattern of Vibrio cholerae was also determined.  Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of locally produced Sidr, Kalonji and Eucalyptus honey, and medically graded Manuka honey was determined by agar dilution and kirby bauer test. American Type Culture Collections (ATCC) Escherichia coli 25922, Staphylococcus aureus 25923 and Acinetobacter baumannii 29213 were used as standard control strains.

Results: Manuka and Eucalyptus honey have comparable antibacterial activity against both sensitive and resistant clinical isolates of Vibrio cholerae. The lowest MICs were between 3.7 to 4% for medically graded Manuka honey, whereas Eucalyptus honey inhibited between the range 4 to 4.3%. Kalonji and Sidr honey inhibited these isolates between 6.7 to 7.0% and 6.3 to 7.0%, respectively.

Conclusion: It is concluded that Manuka and Eucalyptus honey could be evaluated in a clinical trial for the treatment of gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio cholerae.