Effects of Repeated in-vitro Exposure to Saudi Honey on Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics and Biofilm Formation

Abstract

Introduction:Although Sumra and Sidr Saudi honey is widely used in traditional medicine due to its potent activity, it is unknown whether its prolonged usage has impact upon bacterial virulence or leading to reduced antibiotic sensitivity. Thus, the study aims to investigate the effect of prolonged (repeated) in-vitro exposure to Saudi honey on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii, were in-vitro exposed ten times [passaged (P10)]to Sumra and Sider honey individually to introduce adapted bacteria (P10). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of untreated (P0) and adapted (P10) bacteria were assessed using disc diffusion and microdilution assays. The tendency regarding biofilm formation following in-vitro exposure to honey (P10) was assessed using the Crystal violet staining method. Results: Adapted (P10) bacteria to both Sumra and Sidr honey showed an increased sensitivity to gentamicin, ceftazidime, ampicillin, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, and ceftriaxone, when compared with the parent strains (P0). In addition, A. baumannii (P10) that was adapted to Sidr honey displayed a 4-fold increase in the minimal inhibitory concentration of the same honey following in-vitro exposure. 3-fold reduction in the tendency toward biofilm formation was observed for the Sumra-adapted (P10) methicillin resistant S. aureus strain, although there was a lower rate of reduction (1.5-fold) in biofilm formation by both the Sumra-and Sidr-adapted A. baumannii (P10) strains. Conclusion:The data highlight the positive impact of prolonged in-vitro exposure to Saudi honey (Sumra and Sider) for woundassociated bacteria since they displayed a significant increase in their sensitivity profiles to the tested antibiotic and a reduction in their ability to form biofilm. The increased bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and a limited tendency toward biofilm formation would suggest the great potential therapeutic use of this Saudi honey (Sumra and Sidr) to treat wound infections.

Antibiofilm, Antimicrobial, Anti-Quorum Sensing, and Antioxidant Activities of Saudi Sidr Honey: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies

“…Therefore, finding alternative treatments for biofilms is of great interest. Honey has been shown to have antibacterial properties, and recent studies have investigated its potential antibiofilm activity [ 29 ]. Antibiofilm activity refers to the ability of a substance to disrupt or prevent the formation of biofilms.…”

“…Sidr honey is used to treat a wide variety of diseases across the globe, including liver disease, stomach ulcers, lung infections, malnutrition, digestion difficulties, constipation, eye infections, wound infections, and general health conditions. Bacteria can form a bacterial community called a biofilm which is resistant to antibiotics and thus considered a challenging global health problem [ 29 ]. Honey has shown activity to inhibit biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Bacteria can form a bacterial community called a biofilm which is resistant to antibiotics and thus considered a challenging global health problem [ 29 ]. Honey has shown activity to inhibit biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus [ 29 , 30 ]. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of conducting phytochemical analyses and to further investigate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, and antibiofilm properties of Saudi Sidr honey to evaluate the potential uses of the tested honey in more detail.…”

In Vitro Antiproliferative Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest Potential of Saudi Sidr Honey against Colorectal Cancer

“…Its exclusivity, derived from the rare Sidr tree, contributes to its desirability. Its distinctive and robust taste, coupled with its potential medicinal properties, contributes to its popularity [28,29].…”

Novel Antibacterial Agents 2022

“…In particular, in the field of natural compounds, Abdulrahman S. Bazaid et al identified, by GC-MS analysis, 2,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2 H )-furan-3-one and 1-methylcyclopropanemethanol as the major phytoconstituents of Sumra honey [ 1 ] and suggested that this source be used as a promising potential therapeutic tool against infections caused by MDR bacteria and fungi [ 2 ]. In addition, they proposed Sumra honey as a good candidate to inhibit bacterial cellular communication in strains of P. aeruginosa and C. violaceum [ 1 ].…”