By Ben
Coxworth
September 12, 2022
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Manuka honey is produced in Australia and New
Zealand by bees that pollinate the tea tree
shrub (Photo credit: Depositphotos)
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Mycobacterium abscessus bacteria most often infect the
lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis or other chronic lung
diseases. The infection causes scarring, thickening of tissue or formation of
cavities in the lungs, which may result in respiratory failure if not treated.
Unfortunately, due to the bacteria's thick cell walls,
they're resistant to the effects of existing antibiotics. As a result, large
dosages of the drugs are required over long periods of time, producing
unpleasant side effects. Even then, the infection is usually just kept at bay,
as opposed to being completely eliminated.
Seeking a more effective alternative, scientists from
Britain's Aston University looked to Manuka honey.
Although honey in general has been known for its healing
qualities since ancient times, Manuka honey is particularly
potent. This is because, along with the hydrogen-peroxide-producing
chemicals that are present in all types of honey, it also contains an
antibacterial compound known as methylglyoxal.
For their study, the researchers obtained Mycobacterium
abscessus bacteria from 16 infected patients, and placed those samples in
a lab-based lung model. The scientists then used a nebulizer (which produces a
fine spray of inhalable liquid) to administer a mixture of Manuka honey and the
commonly used antibiotic amikacin.
It was found that in order for the mixture to kill all the
bacteria, an amikacin dosage of just 2 micrograms per milliliter was required.
By contrast, when the drug is administered by traditional means, the usual
effective dosage is 16 micrograms per milliliter.
"By combining a totally natural ingredient such as
Manuka honey with amikacin, one of the most important yet toxic drugs used for
treating Mycobacterium abscessus, we have found a way to potentially kill
off these bacteria with eight times less drug than before," said team
member Dr. Jonathan Cox. "This has the potential to significantly reduce
amikacin-associated hearing loss and greatly improve the quality of life of so
many patients – particularly those with cystic fibrosis."
It is hoped that human clinical trials may soon commence. A
paper on the research was recently published in the journal Microbiology.
Source: Aston University