Honey to fight Mycobacterium abscessus
By combining natural Manuka honey with a widely used drug it seems possible, drug-resistant and potentially fatal lung infections treat and minimize side effects.
In a new study involving experts from Aston University Manuka honey has been used successfully to eliminate pathogens Mycobacterium abscessus and to inhibit a panel of drug-resistant clinical isolates in vitro. The study results were published in the journal “Microbiology” released.
Kill Mycobacterium abscessus by combined treatment
The team used samples of the bacterium Mycobacterium abscessus previously collected from 16 people living under cystic fibrosis suffered. Then the researchers examined what dosage of the antibiotic Amikacin along with Manuka honey is necessary to kill the bacteria present.
The study was conducted in a laboratory lung model and additionally a so-called Vernebler used. This device is often used to inhale medications due to its ability to create fine droplets of liquid, allowing them to travel deeper into the airways.
Effective treatment with fewer side effects
It was shown that this combined treatment has the potential to be highly kill drug-resistant pathogens. This was true even when the manuka honey was combined with low doses of amikacin, so that fewer side effects occurred than with the usual treatment, the researchers report.
The combined treatment not only increases the likelihood that those affected will survive, it also leads to fewer side effects thanks to fewer antibiotics required, which is beneficial positive on quality of life of the people being treated, the team says.
The usual dosage of amikacin is actually included 16 micrograms per milliliter and the combination with manuka honey can increase this dose only two micrograms per milliliter to reduce.
How dangerous is Mycobacterium abscessus?
Mycobacterium abscessus is a bacterial pathogen from the same family as the tuberculosis pathogen that causes serious lung infections in people (particularly children) with pre-existing lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis caused and also Skin and soft tissue infections causes, according to the team.
A major problem in the fight once morest Mycobacterium abscessus is its inherent nature Drug resistance. According to the researchers, current treatment regimens therefore require a long period of time and the Use of multiple antibiotics.
Such a 12-month treatment is usually included severe side effects connected and has only one low chance of successexplain the experts.
„To date, treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus lung infections has been problematic due to its drug resistance. The different Antibioticswhich are required to fight the infection, lead to serious side effects‘ reports the author of the study Victoria Nolan in a press release.
According to the expert, the combination of amikacin and manuka honey provides one promising approach for improved therapy of dangerous lung infections.”There is a need for better treatment outcomes and we hope to continue testing this potential treatment in the future“, adds Nolan added.
„By combining an all-natural ingredient like Manuka Honey with Amikacin, one of the most important but also most toxic drugs used to treat Mycobacterium abscessus, we found a way to kill these bacteria using 8 times less drugs than previously‘ explains the author of the study Dr. Jonathan Cox.
Improved strategy in the treatment of cystic fibrosis
The results of the study pave the way for future research, which will ultimately lead to a Changing the strategy for the treatment of cystic fibrosis might lead.
In addition, they demonstrate the benefits of Manuka honey when included in the treatment of respiratory infections with antibiotics, according to the research team. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Victoria C. Nolan, James Harrison, Jonathan A. G. Cox: In vitro synergy between manuka honey and amikacin once morest Mycobacterium abscessus complex shows potential for nebulisation therapy; in: Microbiology (veröffentlicht 07.09.2022), Microbiology
- Aston University: Manuka honey might help to clear deadly drug-resistant lung infection – research (08.09.2022), Aston University
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
