MRSA Infection & Symptoms

Essential Oils & MRSA

Link: Comparative in vitro activities of topical wound care products against community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus -- Bearden et al. 62 (4): 769 -- Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

Results: At 10 min, the reduction (mean ± SD) in log10 cfu/mL for all strains was 2.87 ± 1.22, 1.86 ± 0.76 and 0.143 ± 0.82 for benzethonium chloride/essential oils, neomycin/polymyxin B and polymyxin B/gramicidin, respectively. By 24 h, bactericidal activity was observed against two strains each for neomycin/polymyxin B and polymyxin B/gramicidin. Benzethonium chloride/essential oils was bactericidal against all strains by 6 h. At 24 h, all three agents were superior to controls (P < 0.05). Benzethonium chloride/essential oils was more active at 24 h than polymyxin B/gramicidin versus all four strains (P < 0.05) and more active than neomycin/polymyxin B versus three of four strains (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These topical agents demonstrated variable activity against the four strains tested. Benzethonium chloride/essential oils was more rapidly and completely active than the other agents tested.

Tea Tree Oil-containing Beauty Products may Contribute to MRSA Increase

Link: Tea Tree Oil-containing Beauty Products may Contribute to MRSA Increase.

Next time you reach for a cosmetic that contains tea tree oil, give a second thought. You may unwittingly be giving a boost to ‘bad’ microorganisms- to evolve into stronger, tougher ones. So says a research published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and led by professor David McDowell of the University of Ulster. Accordingly, the scientists who grew bacteria such MRSA, E.coli and salmonella in low dose concentrations of tea tree oil found that they became more resistant to antibiotics and also capable of causing worse infections. Tea tree oil, taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Australia, is commonly used in many products including shampoos, body lotions and toiletries. It is well known for its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. However, there is no legislation-requiring manufacturer to state the concentration of the oil in any of the products. According to the researchers, low dose tea tree oil found in beauty products, which is not strong enough to kill the microbes, actually turns on their defense system, resulting in tougher ones of them or ‘superbugs’.

Tea Tree Oil Effective against MRSA?

Link: Journal of Medical Microbiology.

    The susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus [meticillin-resistant (MRSA) and meticillin-sensitive (MSSA)] and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), which respectively form part of the transient and commensal skin flora, to tea-tree oil (TTO) was compared using broth microdilution and quantitative in vitro time–kill test methods. MRSA and MSSA isolates were significantly less susceptible than CoNS isolates, as measured by both MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration. A significant decrease in the mean viable count of all isolates in comparison with the control was seen at each time interval in time–kill assays. However, the only significant difference in the overall mean log10 reduction in viable count between the groups of isolates was between CoNS and MSSA at 3 h, with CoNS isolates demonstrating a significantly lower mean reduction. To provide a better simulation of in vivo conditions on the skin, where bacteria are reported to grow as microcolonies encased in glycocalyx, the bactericidal activity of TTO against isolates grown as biofilms was also compared. Biofilms formed by MSSA and MRSA isolates were completely eradicated following exposure to 5 % TTO for 1 h. In contrast, of the biofilms formed by the nine CoNS isolates tested, only five were completely killed, although a reduction in viable count was apparent for the other four isolates. These results suggest that TTO exerts a greater bactericidal activity against biofilm-grown MRSA and MSSA isolates than against some biofilm-grown CoNS isolates.

Olive leaf an MRSA antidote?

Link: $$

     The article, "Skin infections caused by drug-resistant staph germs on rise" (BDN, Aug. 17), caught my attention because I have information helpful to this problem. The Upjohn Co. conducted laboratory tests of crystallized calcium elenolate that is present in the oleurupein of olive leaves and it proved effective against MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus. This hydrolysized compound (calcium elenolate) is powdered and encapsulated as a food supplement. The pressure has been taken off pharmaceutical industry researchers who are no longer coming up with new drugs to intervene in the antibiotic-resistance cycle. The American medical consumers have olive leaf extract. Elmer Morin Limestone

The medicinal oil that works on MRSA

Link: Times Online.

      A randomised control trial of tea tree topical oil preparations comparing it with the standard regime was carried out at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. The trial measured the relative ability of the two regimes to clear MRSA (the antibiotic resistant bacteria found in hospitals) colonisation from various sites. The tea tree oil compared favourably to modern pharmaceutical skin preparations. The oil was slightly less effective in clearing noses and throats, appreciably more effective in clearing armpits, groins and perhaps surprisingly skin sores of the potentially lethal Staphylococcus aureus. The results were published in the Journal of Hospital Infection.

(Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties

Link: Clinical Microbiology Reviews

     Complementary and alternative medicines such as tea tree (melaleuca) oil have become increasingly popular in recent decades. This essential oil has been used for almost 100 years in Australia but is now available worldwide both as neat oil and as an active component in an array of products. The primary uses of tea tree oil have historically capitalized on the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions of the oil. This review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the oil and its components, as well as clinical efficacy. Specific mechanisms of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action are reviewed, and the toxicity of the oil is briefly discussed.

Grapefruit seed and MRSA remedies

Link: The Daily Record

Grapefruit seed extract has been used to combat bird flu in the past and scientific studies have shown it is also effective against MRSA. Anna, who lives with support worker husband Michael, can ' t believe its healing properties are not more widely known. She sells it to owners of racing pigeons to help fight infection and says it is also beneficial for humans,who use it for conditions ranging from athlete' s foot to mouth ulcers and eczema. There have been a number of scientific studies showing it kills bacteria. But unlike synthetic antibiotics it doesn ' t take out friendly bacteria. And it covers a broad spectrum of ailments rather than traditional antibiotics that tend to work on specific areas. "So many people have comeback to me to say how much grapefruit seed extract has helped them, " she says.

Immunological and Psychological Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Link: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

This preliminary investigation compares peripheral blood cell counts including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), CD4 , CD8  and CD16  lymphocytes, CD4 /CD8  ratio, hematocrit, humoral parameters including serum interferon-{gamma} and interleukin-6, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Psychological measures including the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) between recipients (n = 11) of carrier oil massage and aromatherapy massage, which includes sweet almond oil, lavender oil, cypress oil and sweet marjoram oil. Though both STAI and SDS showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) after treatment with aromatherapy and carrier massage, no difference between the aromatherapy and control massage was observed for STAI and SDS. Aromatherapy, in contrast to control massage, did not significantly reduce RBC count or hematocrit. However, aromatherapy massage showed a significant (P > 0.05) increase in PBLs, possibly due to an increase in CD8  and CD16  lymphocytes, which had significantly increased post-treatment (P < 0.01). Consequently, the CD4 /CD8  ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The paucity of such differences after carrier oil massage suggests that aromatherapy massage could be beneficial in disease states that require augmentation of CD8  lymphocytes. While this study identifies the immunological benefits of aromatherapy massage, there is a need to validate the findings prospectively in a larger cohort of patients.

MRSA kills 5000 every year but Euro red tape halts cheap 'cure'

Link: Evening Times.

MRSA kills 5000 every year but Euro red tape halts cheap 'cure'
RED tape is stopping vital research into common oils that could destroy the killer MRSA hospital superbug. More than 5000 people - including an estimated 400 Scots - die every year from the bug. A study funded by £40,000 from veteran DJ Sir Jimmy Savile found a mixture of aromatherapy oils could kill MRSA and other infections. However, the researchers today said they couldn't start clinical trials because of Euro legislation. The doctors and nurses at Manchester University found the three common oils were more effective than existing treatments because they had a complex mix of chemical compounds.

Immunological and Psychological Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Link: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

This preliminary investigation compares peripheral blood cell counts including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), CD4 , CD8  and CD16  lymphocytes, CD4 /CD8  ratio, hematocrit, humoral parameters including serum interferon-{gamma} and interleukin-6, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Psychological measures including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) between recipients (n = 11) of carrier oil massage and aromatherapy massage, which includes sweet almond oil, lavender oil, cypress oil and sweet marjoram oil. Though both STAI and SDS showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) after treatment with aromatherapy and carrier massage, no difference between the aromatherapy and control massage was observed for STAI and SDS. Aromatherapy, in contrast to control massage, did not significantly reduce RBC count or hematocrit. However, aromatherapy massage showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in PBLs, possibly due to an increase in CD8  and CD16  lymphocytes, which had significantly increased post-treatment (P < 0.01). Consequently, the CD4 /CD8  ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The paucity of such differences after carrier oil massage suggests that aromatherapy massage could be beneficial in disease states that require augmentation of CD8  lymphocytes. While this study identifies the immunological benefits of aromatherapy massage, there is a need to validate the findings prospectively in a larger cohort of patients.

Is tea tree oil effective at eradicating MRSA colonization?

Link: Is tea tree oil effective at eradicating MRSA colonization? A review..

In vitro studies show that tea tree oil is capable of killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a laboratory setting. This review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was undertaken to find out whether it is effective at eradicating MRSA colonization compared to standard mupirocin-based regimens in colonized patients. A wide range of databases and internet sources were searched to identify published and unpublished studies. Two RCTs were found that researched the effectiveness of tea tree oil preparations against MRSA. One small RCT (n = 30) showed a large but non-significant improvement at eradicating MRSA compared to traditional treatment, whereas a larger study (n = 224) demonstrated little difference in rates of eradication overall (41% for tea tree and 49% for mupirocin, p = 0.286). However, the larger study found that those with nasal colonization receiving a tea tree regimen were more likely to remain colonized with MRSA in the nose (absolute risk increase 31%, p<0.001). Currently there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of tea tree oil in clinical practice for eradication of MRSA colonization.

Back to nature in fight against killer superbug

Link: Scotland on Sunday.

THE rarefied world of aromatherapy could hold the key to winning the battle against deadly superbugs that kill thousands of people every year. Some of the essential oils used by aromatherapists are believed to be more effective in eradicating MRSA from hospital wards that the man-made chemical concoctions currently used. Initial research shows that the natural strength and complexity of oils such as eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree makes them more deadly to superbugs than artificial alternatives. The Department of Health has confirmed plans to fund research into the use of aromatherapy oils to combat MRSA. Around �3m has already been set aside for research into the hospital-acquired infections that have rocked confidence in the health service’s ability to protect patients from disease. The move could pave the way for patients at greatest risk of infection to be treated with the oils - chemical compounds found in aromatic plants - rather than conventional antiseptics throughout their stay in hospital, either through inhalation or on dressings placed in direct contact with wounds.

Laboratory Tests on essential oils

Link: Laboratory Tests - fighting back against MRSA.

Armed with successful in-vitro test results, I then sent the same selection of essential oils to a different kind of laboratory for GLC testing. GLC (Gas Liquid Chromatography) is able to analyse the chemical make-up of one essential oil at a time. GLC test results of each of the essential oils sent to the lab were then examined by me to determine if there was a common denominator – and here I had my second surprise – because there wasn't one. I was not able to pinpoint one particular chemical (or even chemical group) and say ‘this is responsible for the successful lab tests’. With the detailed GLC analyses, I was then able to check each chemical constituent against the EU regulations which govern and restrict the usage of certain essential oils or their chemical constituents and, as my objective was to formulate a product based solely on essential oils that were non-toxic and non-irritant, this narrowed down my choices.

Could common scents snuff out the superbug?

Link: icWales - Could common scents snuff out the superbug?.

RESEARCH conducted at the University of Manchester has found that three oils usually used in aromatherapy destroyed MRSA and E.coli bacteria in two minutes flat. Scientists are now suggesting that the oils could be blended into soaps and shampoo which could be used in hospitals to stop the spread of the superbug or MRSA. Jacqui Stringer, complemen-tary medicine clinical leader at Christie Cancer Hospital, who instigated the research, believes essential oils are so effective because they are made up of a complex mixture of chemical compounds which MRSA and other superbug bacteria find difficult to resist. She is not alone in this belief. I believe this research could lead to a very practical application which would be of enormous benefit to the NHS and its patients.

Nature's Way to fight MRSA

Link: dailyrecord

NATURAL remedies, such as tea tree oil and honey, may be effective against MRSA. Two studies, one in America and one at the University of East London, showed that tea tree oil could treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections more effectively than conventional antiseptic skin preparations. Microbiologist Giles Elsom from the University of East London says: 'We've found tea tree oil to be safe and effective in cases where conventional, more toxic, anti-microbial treatments have failed.' And a recent study in New Zealand concluded that the anti-bacterial potency of honey was well in excess of that required to stop the growth of MRSA. Active Manuka Honey is the only honey available for sale which is tested for anti-bacterial activity.

Jim fixes it for superbug study

Link: BBC NEWS

Veteran disc jockey Sir Jimmy Saville has "fixed it" for researchers trying to combat the hospital bug MRSA. Sir Jimmy has donated £40,000 to the team from the University of Manchester who are investigating how aromatherapy can kill the deadly bacteria. They claim three essential oils can kill MRSA as well as the E.coli bug, but money is needed for trials. Sir Jimmy made the donation after reading about the possible breakthrough on the BBC News website.

Tea Tree Oil Alarm

Link: News.

The oil, which is derived from the Australian melaleuca tree and has been a traditional remedy among Australian Aboriginals for centuries, is famous for its antiseptic properties. Used by Australian troops for battlefield injuries in the First World War, it is now in shower gels, toothpastes, mouthwash and face cleansers, to cure skin complaints, to treat cuts and burns, as an insect and lice repellent, and has even been cited as a possible treatment for the MRSA superbug. But now the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, which officially advises the EU on whether products can be sold, has said it has serious concerns. In an unusually blunt official opinion released last week, the committee stated: "The sparse data available suggest undiluted oil as a commercial product is not safe." Its major concern was that toxic and risky chemicals become even more potent - up to three times as strong - if stored at room temperature, and exposed to light and air.

Essential oils have been found to kill the deadly MRSA bacteria

Link: News Medical Net.

Essential oils usually used in aromatherapy have been found to kill the deadly MRSA bacteria according to research carried out at The University of Manchester. Tests revealed that three essential oils killed MRSA and E. coli as well as many other bacteria and fungi within just two minutes of contact. The oils can easily be blended and made into soaps and shampoos which could be used by hospital staff, doctors and patients in a bid to eradicate the spread of these deadly `super bugs'. Researchers are now desperately looking for funding to develop their work and carry out a clinical trial. Peter Warn from the University's Faculty of Medicine who worked on the research said: 'We believe that our discovery could revolutionise the fight to combat MRSA and other `super bugs', but we need to carry out a trial and to do that we need a small amount of funding ' around �30,000. 'We are having problems finding this funding because essential oils cannot be patented as they are naturally occurring, so few drug companies are interested in our work as they do not see it as commercially viable. Obviously, we find this very frustrating as we believe our findings could help to stamp out MRSA and save lives,' added Peter, who is based at Hope Hospital.

Essential oils tested on MRSA wounds

Link: HighWire Press -- Medline Abstract.

Patchouli, tea tree, geranium, lavender essential oils and Citricidaltrade mark (grapefruit seed extract) were used singly and in combination to assess their anti-bacterial activity against three strains of Staphylococcus aureus: Oxford S. aureus NCTC 6571 (Oxford strain), Epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus (EMRSA 15) and MRSA (untypable).

Yeast and tea tree oil kill MRSA superbug

News Medical Net
Manchester Metropolitan University is working with a cutting edge technology firm to find a treatment for the hospital superbug MRSA which kills 5,000 patients each year. MMU scientists and North West company Micap have spent two years researching antimicrobial agents to tackle the infection, known as a “superbug” for its resistance to antibiotics. The outcome is a blend of yeast and essential oils, including tea tree oil, which attacks and kills the bug.
Clinical trials of the new treatment are about to start on 40 burns patients at Wythenshawe Hospital, who have been diagnosed as having MRSA on their skin.