MRSA Infection

A Honey Treatment Solution for MRSA that Really Works

A Treatment Solution for MRSA that Really Works.

The secret behind honey's healing power is glucose oxidase, which is an enzyme that is found in the saliva of honeybees. This enzyme, combined with the nectar of flowers, produces honey. The enzyme's antibacterial properties protect the honey from contamination. This enzyme also converts glucose to hydrogen peroxide, which is a gentle disinfectant. The acidity of honey is enough to stop bacterial growth. The hydrogen peroxide present in honey is produced at safe levels (1/1000th of the level of a bottle of hydrogen peroxide antiseptic) but still potent enough to stop bacteria from growing. This is another factor that makes Manuka Honey a powerful antibacterial agent. It's important to know that not all honey should be used for medicinal purposes. The antibacterial properties in honey vary greatly, depending on the flowers that the bees gather nectar from. Manuka Honey, which is derived from the Manuka plant in New Zealand, is the only honey that should be used for medical purposes. Manuka Honey has extremely high levels of antibacterial properties, significantly higher than that of other types of honey. Manuka Honey also contains a mystery ingredient known as the Manuka Factor. It is believed that this unique antibacterial factor is its secret weapon in battling the MRSA superbug.

Antiseptic Guaranteed to Heal MRSA Staph Infections

Antiseptic Guaranteed to Heal MRSA Staph Infections.

2008-10-29 23:07:54 - Honeymark International has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion containing Active Manuka Honey that is so effective against MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections that the manufacturer has issued a money-back guarantee. No one is impervious to the resilient super-bug associated with deadly Staph infections. This infection can be acquired at schools, locker rooms, hospitals or basically anywhere within the community and can be fatal if entered into the bloodstream. In the past, doctors were able to treat most serious infections with the use of antibiotics . However, over the past 30 years of antibiotic use (or overuse), some strains of bacteria have mutated and developed a resistance to antibiotics. This has left the medical industry without a solution...until now. There is a special type of honey that only comes from the New Zealand region that has been found to have extraordinary antibacterial properties not found in other types of honey. Manuka Honey has the ability to draw moisture out of bacterial cells, making it impossible for them to survive. Manuka Honey has also been observed interfering with the bacterial cell division cycle, preventing the infection from spreading and basically stopping it dead in its tracks.

MEDIHONEY Eradicates MRSA From Chronic Venous Ulcers

Link: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Shows Derma Sciences MEDIHONEY(TM) Eradicates MRSA From Chronic Venous Ulcers.

Derma Sciences (OTC Bulletin Board: DSCI), a provider of advanced wound care products, announced that its key product, MEDIHONEY(TM) Wound & Burn Dressing with Active Leptospermum Honey, has been found in a large randomized controlled clinical trial to significantly reduce the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in chronic wounds. The finding was published in the June 2008 issue of The Journal of Wound Care.

UK Honey could treat MRSA

Link: Honey could treat MRSA - Telegraph.

The researchers, from the Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory at the City Hospital in Belfast, tested three types of local honey plus a French honey. They applied the spread to the becteria and left in a cool place for 24 hours. Monitored every eights hours, there were slight differences in how each individual honey performed. However, all managed to remove any trace of the infaction within one day, the findings, published in the journal Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice shows. The scientists believe that one reason for the results is that honey contains hydrogen peroxide, the key component of bleach and a powerful disinfectant.

Honey kills MRSA

Link: Chicago Journals - Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Background.  Antibiotic resistance among microbes urgently necessitates the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Since ancient times, honey has been used successfully for treatment of infected wounds, because of its antibacterial activity. However, large variations in the in vitro antibacterial activity of various honeys have been reported and hamper its acceptance in modern medicine. Methods.  We assessed the in vitro bactericidal activity of Revamil (Bfactory), a medical-grade honey produced under controlled conditions, and assessed its efficacy for reduction of forearm skin colonization in healthy volunteers in a within-subject-controlled trial. Results.  With Bacillus subtilis as a test strain, we demonstrated that the variation in bactericidal activity of 11 batches of medical-grade honey was <2-fold. Antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Klebsiella oxytoca were killed within 24 h by 10%-40% (vol/vol) honey. After 2 days of application of honey, the extent of forearm skin colonization in healthy volunteers was reduced 100-fold ( ), and the numbers of positive skin cultures were reduced by 76% ( ). Conclusions.  Revamil is a promising topical antimicrobial agent for prevention or treatment of infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Superbugs stung by honey bees

Link: BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | Superbugs stung by honey bees.

Watch the report

Community associated MRSA is typically found in wounds and boils. Like many superbugs it can be difficult to treat. Professor Moore is a scientist who likes to draw on history to help solve the problems facing the modern hospital laboratory. Surrounded by his team, he explains that in medieval times, some physicians used rose honey to treat wounds soldiers received in battle. Those doctors understood that honey had healing and disinfecting properties and that set the City Hospital scientists thinking. And far from being the only team looking at the medicinal properties of honey, they found a number of other researchers around the world who were also interested. But what was the science underlying the healing powers of honey and could it be used to tackle superbugs like community MRSA? Those were the questions which Professor Moore and Japanese assistant Maeda Yasunori set about answering. As it happened another scientist at nearby Queen's University, Philip Earle, keeps bees as a hobby. The scientists got talking.

Manuka Honey Destroys MRSA and Heals Staph Infections

Link: Manuka Honey Destroys MRSA and Heals Staph Infections.

Honey contains hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a known antiseptic that can be used to clear infections and heal wounds. In addition, honey is high in sugar, low in protein and very acidic. These factors combine to make honey capable of killing contaminants it comes into contact with. Scientists have now found that various types of honey contain different antibacterial substances. Research has proven that "Manuka Honey" heals and sterilizes wounds and ulcers, more so than other types of honey and even traditional forms of medicine. It also assists in the growth of new skin and contains antibacterial properties that are so powerful that even antibiotic-resistant forms of bacteria have not been able to withstand it. Manuka Honey contains antioxidants that eliminate free radicals in the body. When Manuka Honey is exposed to air, it draws moisture in from the air, giving it a hygroscopic nature. This prevents scarring by keeping the skin moist, regenerating new skin tissue and stops bandages from sticking to the wound. There has been hundreds of clinical trials over the past 2 decades, conducted by hospitals and universities all over the world. These clinical trials have found that Manuka Honey contains additional antibacterial properties as well as the hydrogen peroxide. Manuka Honey has gained increased notoriety because of its ability to wipe out the super-bugs associated with MRSA and Staph infections. The nectar secreted by the Manuka Tree (indigenous to New Zealand) contains what scientists call the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. It is this antibacterial component that sets Manuka Honey apart from other types of honey.

British Honey Kills CA MRSA

Link: HighWire Press -- Medline Abstract.

Although previous studies have examined the antimicrobial activity of honey against HA-MRSA, such data are limited regarding the activity of honey against this emerging type of MRSA. CA-MRSA (n=6 isolates), was examined for its susceptibility to natural honey (n=3 honey produced from bees in Northern Ireland and one commercial French honey). Results demonstrated that all honey was able to reduce the cultural count of all CA-MRSA from approximately 10(6) colony-forming units (cfus) (mean=6.46log(10)cfu/g) to none detectable within 24h of co-culture of separate CA-MRSA organisms individually with all four-honey types examined. Subsequent non-selective enrichment of honey demonstrated that inoculated honey remained positive for CA-MRSA until 72h postinoculation, after which point no culturable organisms could be detected. This study demonstrated that, in vitro, these natural products had an antimicrobial activity against the CA-MRSA organisms tested. Further studies are now required to demonstrate if this antimicrobial activity has any clinical application.

Destroying the MRSA Super-bug With Manuka Honey

Link: Destroying the MRSA Super-bug With Manuka Honey.

Manuka Honey comes from the hives of honeybees that gather nectar from the flowers of the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) which grows wild throughout New Zealand. Manuka Honey has been tested for antibacterial activity and contains a property found only in honey made from the Leptospermum plants. This property is called the “unique manuka factor” (UMF) which produces a more potent antibacterial action. This property also makes Manuka Honey more stable and active in all situations, unlike other types of honey which loses its effectiveness under certain conditions, such as being exposed to heat or light. Manuka Honey has been used successfully in wound dressings and is now being used by a company called Honeymark as a main ingredient in their health care products. Honeymark has recently hired BioScreen, a laboratory in California to conduct third-part product testing to certify their products' effectiveness in destroying MRSA. "As a wound dressing, Active UMF Manuka Honey reduces inflammation, swelling and pain quickly," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "This healing occurs much faster in conditions where standard antibiotic and antiseptic treatment was not working. In addition to quickening the healing process, another benefit of using Manuka Honey on wounds is that it doesn't cause tissue damage or scaring as other antiseptics do." There are many reports of Staph infections being completely inhibited by Manuka Honey.

Medical Honey for Wound Care Still the 'Latest Resort'

Link: Medical Honey for Wound Care Still the 'Latest Resort'? -- Simon et al., 10.1093/ecam/nem175 -- Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

While the ancient Egyptians and Greeks used honey for wound care, and a broad spectrum of wounds are treated all over the world with natural unprocessed honeys from different sources, MedihoneyTM has been one of the first medically certified honeys licensed as a medical product for professional wound care in Europe and Australia. Our experience with medical honey in wound care refers only to this product. In this review, we put our clinical experience into a broader perspective to comment on the use of medical honey in wound care. More prospective randomized studies on a wider range of types of wounds are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of medical honey in wound care. Nonetheless, the current evidence confirming the antibacterial properties and additional beneficial effects of medical honey on wound healing should encourage other wound care professionals to use CE-certified honey dressings with standardized antibacterial activity, such as MedihoneyTM products, as an alternative treatment approach in wounds of different natures.

Honeymark Offers a Honey Solution to MRSA

Link: Honeymark Offers a Viable Solution to the MRSA Epidemic.

Manuka Honey has an antibacterial activity, due primarily to hydrogen peroxide formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase. Manuka Honey also contains an additional antibacterial component found only in honey produced from Leptospermum plants (more commonly known as the Manuka Bush, indigenous to New Zealand) which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. There is evidence that the two antibacterial components have a synergistic action. UMF is not affected by the catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum. The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in most common forms of honey becomes active only when honey is diluted. But UMF is active in full strength honey, which will provide a more potent antibacterial action diffusing into the depth of infected tissues. The viscosity of Manuka Honey provides a protective barrier to prevent wounds from becoming infected. "Manuka Honey creates a moist healing environment that allows skin cells to re-grow across a healing wound flush with the surface of the wound, preventing scaring and deformity of the skin, says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "In other words, If a dry scab forms on a wound, the skin cells can only grow across the wound deeper down where it is moist." Manuka Honey causes scabs and dead cells to lift off the surface of the wound, leaving a clean healthy wound bed in which re-growth of tissue can occur. Manuka Honey also stimulates the formation of new blood capillaries and the growth of fibroblasts that replace the connective tissue of the deeper layer of the skin and produce the collagen fibers that give strength to the repair. It stimulates the growth of epithelial cells that form the new skin cover over a healed wound. Manuka Honey thus prevents scarring and keloid formation, and removes the need for skin grafting even with quite large wounds.

The Healing Power of Manuka Honey

Link: The Healing Power of Manuka Honey.

Manuka Honey is made by bees that collect pollen from the manuka bush ( Leptospermum scoparium ) which is indigenous to New Zealand.  Manuka Honey has natural antibacterial properties and, when applied to the skin, has been found by some studies to effectively treat wounds and ulcers that have failed to respond to standard medicine, particularly those that are antibiotic resistant. Manuka Honey's healing powers are so strong that its antibacterial component has been given its own classification which has become known as "the unique manuka factor" ( UMF ).  Strengths range from UMF5, which is believed to be equivalent to a 5% solution of a standard antiseptic, to UMF20 ( or higher ), which is equivalent to a 20% solution of antiseptic. Manuka Honey not only fights infection and aids tissue healing but has been found in clinical trials to reduce inflammation and scarring.  Its healing properties appear to be due to the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic, and its high sugar concentration which inhibits bacterial growth. Manuka Honey is also known to have natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties Manuka Honey wound dressings and creams are now being used in NHS hospitals and has been extremely effective in combating MRSA known as the antibiotic-resistant “superbug”.  “In the past year, Manuka Honey has become accepted into conventional medicine,” says Frank Buonanotte.  It's just a matter of time that more medical products will contain this highly effective ingredient that has no reported negative side effects." To purchase health care products containing Manuka Honey, go to www.HoneymarkProducts.com or call 866-427-7329 to order by phone.

Topical Honey Tested As A Treatment For Diabetic Ulcers

Link: Topical Honey Tested As A Treatment For Diabetic Ulcers, UW Study.

Complications from a 2002 car accident left Hurlburt, a borderline diabetic, with recurring cellulitis and staph infections. One of those infections developed into a troublesome open sore that, despite the use of oral antibiotics, continued to fester for nearly eight months. Then Hurlburt's physician, Jennifer Eddy of UW Health's Eau Claire Family Medicine Clinic, suggested she try using topical honey. Within a matter of months, the sore had healed completely. "I remember thinking, holy mackerel-what a difference," says Hurlburt, who can't use topical antibiotics because of allergies. "It's a lot better than having to put oral antibiotics into your system." With funding provided by the Wisconsin Partnership Fund for Health and the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, Eddy is currently conducting the first randomized, double-blind controlled trial of honey for diabetic ulcers. Eddy first successfully used honey therapy a few years ago with a patient who was facing amputation after all medical options had been exhausted.

Honey making MRSA Impact

Link: New First Aid Antiseptic Lotion

Honeymark International is a manufacturer of over-the-counter health care products that contain Active Manuka Honey as a healing agent. The use of Manuka Honey as a wound dressing material, an ancient remedy that has been rediscovered, is becoming of increasing interest as more reports of its effectiveness are published. The clinical observations recorded are that infection is rapidly cleared, inflammation, swelling and pain are quickly reduced, odor is reduced, sloughing of necrotic tissue is induced, granulation and epithelialisation are hastened, and healing occurs rapidly with minimal scarring.

Antibiotic-resistant staph infections may be helped by medicinal honey

Link: Antibiotic-resistant staph infections may be helped by medicinal honey.

Standard treatment for staph infections of the nose is regular application of an antibiotic ointment (over-the-counter or prescription), but some of these infections can be stubborn, taking up to a year to subside. If this approach hasn't helped, you might try using medicinal honey instead. Researchers at the University of Waikato in New Zealand have found that honey's antibacterial activity can even stop the growth of MRSA bacteria. They've also shown that honey has no adverse effects on healthy tissue and can be safely inserted into cavities and sinuses to clear infection. Don't try this with ordinary supermarket honey. Two medicinal honeys available commercially include manuka honey from New Zealand and Medihoney from Australia.

Harnessing honey's healing power

Link: BBC NEWS

    In fact, he says UMF manuka honey can even tackle antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria - a growing problem for hospitals around the world. "Staphylococcus aureas is the most common wound-infecting species of bacteria, and that's the most sensitive to honey that we've found. "And that includes the antibiotic resistant strains - the MRSA - which is just as sensitive to honey as any other staphylococcus aureas." Clinical trials at the Waikato Hospital have shown that even out of the lab, UMF manuka honey has amazing healing properties. Nurse practitioner Julie Betts has successfully used honey to treat leg ulcers and pressure sores. And she says it helps healing after surgery - particularly for diabetic patients. "It has an anti-inflammatory effect as well, so if I want to do several things apart from actually controlling the bacteria in that wound, then that's when I'll use honey."

The Evidence Supporting the Use of Honey as a Wound Dressing

Link: The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds.

    Some clinicians are under the impression that there is little or no evidence to support the use of honey as a wound dressing. To allow sound decisions to be made, this seminar article has covered the various reports that have been published on the clinical usage of honey. Positive findings on honey in wound care have been reported from 17 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1965 participants, and 5 clinical trials of other forms involving 97 participants treated with honey. The effectiveness of honey in assisting wound healing has also been demonstrated in 16 trials on a total of 533 wounds on experimental animals. There is also a large amount of evidence in the form of case studies that have been reported. It has been shown to give good results on a very wide range of types of wound. It is therefore mystifying that there appears to be a lack of universal acceptance of honey as a wound dressing. It is recommended that clinicians should look for the clinical evidence that exists to support the use of other wound care products to compare with the evidence that exists for honey.

Boffin fights superbug with honey

Link: Daily Mail.

A British scientist has clinched a £28,000 grant to fund research into how simple breakfast honey can combat the killer MRSA superbug. Microbiologist Dr Rose Cooper, based at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, began studying the health benefits of honey eight years ago, and now she is savouring the sweet smell of success. Cash from the British Society for Anti-Microbial Chemotherapy will fund 12 months' research into the role of New Zealand manuka honey in the fight against MRSA. Look here too... Skip gossip links to more articles     * Honey money to fight superbug     * NHS bosses acknowledge staff stress     * 23 killed by rabid bats in Brazil     * Expert sets out key to long life     * Primrose oil may help fight cancer     * 'One in four suffers drink problem' Dr Cooper will study how common breakfast-table honey, Down Under, made by bees which collect nectar from the wild manuka bush, affects cell division in MRSA.

Sterile Honey good for MRSA

Link: RedNova News

Clinical trials have found that active manuka honey from New Zealand, made with pollen gathered from the flowers of the manuka bush, is an effective antibacterial treatment for wounds, and for killing the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori, which can cause stomach ulcers. Honey dressings for wounds are now available on the NHS and are believed to be helpful in preventing the spread of MRSA. Manuka honey is rated according to Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) with UMF 10 or higher being suitable for medicinal use. However, Webb warns: "It is important to use a sterile manuka honey cream on wounds."

Honey can help superbug

Link: Ananova - Honey can help superbug.

A type of honey could be used to fight the MRSA superbug. Research shows just a small amount of special brand Medihone put on dressings can prevent MRSA spreading through open wounds. Anthony Maloney from Medihoney said: "A couple of teaspoons of the honey in a glass of water would knock out he worst bug in hospitals today." Trials at Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, showed it can fight pain and heal wounds quickly reports the Mirror. A spokesperson from the Department of Health said: "We welcome any help in preventing infection."

Honey the healer

Link: 50 connect.co.uk.

The risks of MRSA are well publicised, but the same cannot be said for a preventative measure, now available on the NHS and over-the-counter.  UMF® Manuka Honey dressings kill MRSA, something many of our strongest antibiotics cannot do, and what's more, they are available on the NHS. Professor Molan is one of the world’s leading authorities on the use of Manuka honey in wound care.  He has conducted numerous clinical trials that document the success of Manuka Honey in killing MRSA and treating various other bacterial infections associated with open wounds and ulcers at New Zealand’s Waikato Hospital

Click the link above for the full interview

The healing power of honey bees

Link: Telegraph

Following last week’s announcement that deaths from MRSA have doubled in the past four years, it is clear that hospitals need all the help they can get in the war against superbugs. So news that the first honey-based dressing, which is clinically proven to fight MRSA, is now available through the NHS supply arm - the Logistics Authority - will be welcomed by doctors and nurses. Honey bees Antimicrobial action is especially high in honeys made with nectar from the Antipodes Patient studies and laboratory research have shown that Medihoney products, which were launched in the UK this week for use in hospitals and for sale over the counter, can heal wounds infected with MRSA and are effective against more than 250 clinical strains of bacteria. MRSA alone is responsible for an estimated 5,000 hospital deaths each year and adds �1billion to the NHS budget. The antibacterial activity in some honeys is 100 times more powerful than in others. The high sugar levels create an environment that cleans the wound and inhibits bacteria, but in addition, when certain varieties of honey are diluted, they release hydrogen peroxide, which is an antiseptic. They also appear to gain added potency from the phytochemicals that are in the nectar of particular plants.

Medihoney(R) - Kills Wound 'Superbugs' Dead

Link: Medihoney(R) - Kills Wound 'Superbugs' Dead.

A medical honey could be the answer to wounds infected with anti-biotic resistant 'superbugs', with the first pure medical honey dressing that has clinically proven data against MRSA now available to all UK hospitals. Clinical and in vitro research has shown Medihoney(R) wound care products have successfully healed both acute and chronic wounds colonised with methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which is estimated to cause more than 5,000 deaths [i] in UK hospitals and cost the NHS GBP1billion per year, and extend infected patients stay in hospital for additional 11 days [ii]. Honey has been used for centuries to promote the healing of wounds and leg ulcers. Its high concentration of natural sugars creates an environment that both cleans the wound and inhibits bacteria. Many honeys release low levels of antiseptics, such as hydrogen peroxide and gluconic acid, which can inhibit the growth of skin bacteria. Some honeys, however - especially those derived from the nectar of medicinal plants native to New Zealand and Australia - also contain unique substances with more powerful, antimicrobial actions. ADVERTISEMENT Medihoney(R) wound care products contain a blend of these medical honeys selected for their exceptional, antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria - including antibiotic-resistant strains. Clinical and in vitro research has shown Medihoney(R) is effective against more than 250 clinical strains, including the highly infectious MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), MSSA (methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Actinetobacter calcoaceticus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. [iii] [iv] [v] [vi] [vii]

Honey heals the wounds

SGM : News : Media Releases
Honey could be the new antibiotic, according to scientific research from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) presented today (Monday, 06 September 2004) at the Society for General Microbiology's 155th Meeting at Trinity College Dublin. By studying the way bacteria protect themselves from attack by forming slimy clumps, scientists have discovered that honey may be an effective new weapon in breaking up the microbes' defences. The researchers from the School of Applied Sciences at UWIC looked at the dangerous infections that commonly get into wounds, such as Pseudomonas bacteria.

"If the bacteria can multiply enough to form a slimy mass called a biofilm - the sort of slime you get round a sink plughole for instance - they are much less sensitive to antibiotics and antiseptics," says Ana Henriques of UWIC. "Doctors looking after badly injured and infected patients urgently need to remove these biofilms so that they can treat their wounds safely, and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria." The scientists studied six different strains of the bacteria, five of which came from injuries, and grew them in the laboratory to form biofilms, which are notoriously difficult to treat when they appear as hospital infections. Biofilms prevent healing in wounds and may lead to chronic ulcers.  The laboratory grown samples were treated with Manuka honey, then unattached bacteria were washed off and the remaining slime layer studied after different time periods. In every sample the biofilm was disrupted making it more susceptible to the treatment with conventional antibiotics.

Our honey wins superbug war [08aug04]

The Sunday Mail
QUEENSLAND beekeeper Len Arkadiess is the latest Aussie saving the skin of our delicate distant cousins, the Poms. He's one of about 20 beekeepers producing medicinal honey used to fight superbugs and skin infections in overseas hospitals, including the UK.

Could Honey be an antidote

Harnessing honey's healing power
A special honey has been found to be excellent at treating wounds and is particularly hostile to MRSA