LOC11:59
08:59 GMT
LONDON, April 13 (KUNA) -- A type of honey used for centuries to treat
wounds may be the ultimate weapon against drug resistant bacteria, research
suggests Wednesday.
Manuka honey fights three types of bacteria that commonly infect wounds,
including the notorious MRSA "superbug".
The honey prevents microbial growth in unusual ways and may even be able to
reverse resistance to antibiotics, say scientists.
Traditional remedies containing honey were used to treat wounds by many
ancient civilisations.
Bees produce manuka honey from the nectar of the manuka tree in New Zealand.
Experts have recognised the value of this type of honey, leading to its
inclusion in many modern wound-care products.
However, the secrets of its healing powers are still largely unknown.
A team led by Professor Rose Cooper, from the University of Wales Institute
Cardiff (UWIC), found that manuka honey prevents the attachment of bacteria to
tissues - an essential step in the infection process.
Prof Cooper said "Inhibiting attachment also blocks the formation of
biofilms, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics and allow them to cause
persistent infections.
"Other work in our lab has shown that honey can make MRSA more sensitive to
antibiotics such as oxacillin - effectively reversing antibiotic resistance.
"This indicates that existing antibiotics may be more effective against
drug-resistant infections if used in combination with manuka honey."
The findings were presented today at the spring conference of the Society
for General Microbiology in Harrogate, northern England.
Prof Cooper said the research may increase the clinical use of manuka honey
as doctors are faced with increasingly resistant microbes. (end)
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