Honey: A natural potent antimicrobial remedy against wound pathogens in orthopaedic patients

With rise of antibiotic resistance, alternative antimicrobials are needed. Honey has been reported as one of the natural antimicrobial agents against bacteria due to its natural antibacterial property and its possession of hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂), low pH, high osmolarity among others. Antimicrobial activity of two varieties of honey which include Oba Nuskka honey and Benue honey were compared by assessing antibacterial activities against isolates from infected wounds at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu Nigeria (NOHE). A total of 100 wound swabs were analysed using standard bacteriological methods. Results showed that out of the 100 samples analysed, a total of 128 isolates were detected with the highest isolate being Pseudomonas aeruginosa 45.3% (58) bacteria followed by, Enterococcus spp and Proteus vulgaris with 9.4% (12) each, Escherichia coli 8.6% (11), and Actinomycetes spp, Salmonella spp, Serratia rubidae put all being the least with 0.8% each. Total of 18 significant bacteria species were isolated of which all tested isolates were sensitive to both varieties of honey used at 100% concentration. The Oba Nsukka honey at all concentrations produced larger zones of inhibition than Benue honey. Honey represents a natural, cost-effective, and safe complementary therapy to standard wound care practices, warranting further research into its mechanisms of action and broader clinical applications. Regulatory agencies should enforce measures to ensure that pure unadulterated honey is available for patient’s wound management.