Research Article Open Access

Antibacterial and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Selected Italian Honeys against Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens

Marco Fidaleo1, Roberto Lavecchia1 and Antonio Zuorro1
  • 1 Sapienza University, Italy

Abstract

Three nectar honeys (eucalyptus, thyme and forest) and two honeydew honeys (fir and Metcalfa) from Italy were tested for their antibacterial activity against pathogens commonly associated with wound and burn infections, including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Faecalis (VREF). All honeys showed bactericidal activity against the microorganisms used, with honeydew honeys being the most effective. They also inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum, thus demonstrating their ability to affect quorum sensing-regulated biofilm formation. Overall, the results obtained suggest that the honeys examined may have potential for developing natural antimicrobial compositions or dressings for the treatment of infected wounds or burns.

OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences
Volume 15 No. 4, 2015, 236-243

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ojbsci.2015.236.243

Submitted On: 20 May 2015 Published On: 27 October 2015

How to Cite: Fidaleo, M., Lavecchia, R. & Zuorro, A. (2015). Antibacterial and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Selected Italian Honeys against Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens. OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences, 15(4), 236-243. https://doi.org/10.3844/ojbsci.2015.236.243

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Keywords

  • Honey
  • Antibacterial Activity
  • Quorum Sensing
  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Wound Pathogens