7/27/2019 Honey Can Be a Strong Ally in the Fight Against MRSA

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Honey can be a strong ally in the fight against MRSA, writes Barbara Lantin  

Following last week’s announcement that deaths from MRSA have doubled in the past four years, it is clear that hospitals need all the help they can get in the war against superbugs. So

news that the first honey-based dressing, which is clinically proven to fight MRSA, is now

available through the NHS supply arm - the Logistics Authority - will be welcomed by doctorsand nurses.

Patient studies and laboratory research have shown that Medihoney products, which werelaunched in the UK this week for use in hospitals and for sale over the counter, can heal wounds

infected with MRSA and are effective against more than 250 clinical strains of bacteria. MRSA

alone is responsible for an estimated 5,000 hospital deaths each year and adds £1billion to the NHS budget.

The antibacterial activity in some honeys is 100 times more powerful than in others. The highsugar levels create an environment that cleans the wound and inhibits bacteria, but in addition,

when certain varieties of honey are diluted, they release hydrogen peroxide, which is anantiseptic. They also appear to gain added potency from the phytochemicals that are in the nectar 

of particular plants.

The antimicrobial action is especially high in honeys made with nectar from the New ZealandManuka plant and the Australian Jellybush.

“From the laboratory tests we have done, we know that certain honeys inhibit bacteria better thanothers,” says Dr Rose Cooper, a microbiologist at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. “In

those honeys with proven activity, we have seen a good effect on bacteria that cause wound

infection,” she says. “Both bacteria that are sensitive to antibiotics and those, like MRSA, that

are not, were inhibited by medicinal honeys.”

According to Dr Cooper, MRSA has been eliminated from wounds in two case studies, whichwere published in medical journals.

"Antibiotic resistant bacteria in a wound could act as a source of infection, with the organism being transmitted to hospital surfaces,” she says. “So anything you can do to reduce their 

 presence could be of benefit.”

Following demand from clinicians, Medihoney is the first pure, medical honey dressing, proven

to work against MRSA, to be distributed through the NHS Logistics Authority. In a current trial

at Aintree Hospital, Liverpool - where Medihoney is being compared to conventional woundhealing treatments on deep lesions with tissue loss - Val Robson, a clinical nurse who specialisesin leg ulcer management, has seen remarkable results. “As the trial is ongoing I cannot produce a

statistical analysis, but my gut feeling is that honey works,” says Robson. “I have one patient

who has had leg ulcers for 40 years that are now well on the way to healing, and another whohad leg ulcers for 21 years that cleared up in a year.

7/27/2019 Honey Can Be a Strong Ally in the Fight Against MRSA

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“With chronic wounds, you often get malodour, which honey is excellent at treating,” she says.

“Some patients have said that if they could just get rid of the smell it would be enough, but the

wound has then gone on to full healing. I have been amazed at some of the results.” Medihoneygel, which is sold over the counter, is intended for cuts, grazes and burns.

“It could be disastrous if people treated wounds with ordinary honey, because it has not beensterilised or standardised,” warns Dr Cooper. “Clostridia bacteria, present in some honeys, can

cause gangrene.”

And, she cautions: “Honey is not a panacea. No treatment works in every case.” Some patients

have complained that the honey stings. It should not be used on people with a known allergy to

 bee stings or pollen.

  Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel from pharmacies. Stockists; tel: 0800 0713912