Polish honeys exhibit activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wounds

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized as an opportunistic pathogen and a common contributor to wound infections. This study focused on evaluating the antibacterial activity of selected Polish honeys against P. aeruginosa. Six bacterial strains isolated from wounds and four types of honeys (multifloral, linden, buckwheat, and heather) were utilized. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined through the micro-dilution method employing 96-well plates, while antibiofilm activity was assessed using fluorescence microscopy after a 4-hour incubation period with the honeys. Results indicated diverse antibacterial efficacy among honeys, with linden and heather honeys demonstrating the most potent activity. Linden honey displayed an average MIC of 20.8%, while heather honey exhibited an MIC of 25%. Both honeys significantly reduced biofilm formation, with linden honey achieving a reduction of 54-67% and heather honey of 45-58%. Buckwheat and multifloral honeys exhibited lower activity, demonstrating average MIC levels of 37.5% and 41.7%, respectively, and a biofilm reduction below 20%. Conclusively, Polish honeys exhibited promising activity against both planktonic and biofilm forms of P. aeruginosa. These findings suggest potential applications in wound healing treatments, emphasizing the need for further research in this area. The study contributes valuable insights to the limited literature on the antibacterial activity of Polish honeys.