The Antimicrobial Activity of Honey Against Common Equine
Wound Bacterial Isolates
Vet J, 2013 Aug 17. pii: S1090-0233(13)00326-2
Delayed healing associated with distal limb wounds is a
particular problem in equine clinical practice. Recent studies in human beings
and other species have demonstrated the beneficial wound healing properties of
honey, and medical grade honey dressings are available commercially in equine
practice. Equine clinicians are reported to source other non-medical grade
honeys for the same purpose.
This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of a
number of honey types against common equine wound bacterial pathogens.
Twenty-nine honey products were sourced, including gamma-irradiated and
non-irradiated commercial medical grade honeys, supermarket honeys, and honeys
from local beekeepers.
To exclude contaminated honeys from the project, all honeys
were cultured aerobically for evidence of bacterial contamination. Aerobic
bacteria or fungi were recovered from 18 products. The antimicrobial activity
of the remaining 11 products was assessed against 10 wound bacteria, recovered
from the wounds of horses, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus
aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Eight products were effective against all 10 bacterial
isolates at concentrations varying from < 2% to 16% (v/v). Overall, the
Scottish Heather Honey was the best performing product, and inhibited the
growth of all 10 bacterial isolates at concentrations ranging from < 2% to
6% (v/v). Although Manuka has been the most studied honey to date, other
sources may have valuable antimicrobial properties. Since some honeys were
found to be contaminated with aerobic bacteria or fungi, non-sterile honeys may
not be suitable for wound treatment. Further assessment of gamma-irradiated
honeys from the best performing honeys would be useful.
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