Honey has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments since ancient times. Its antimicrobial properties have been attributed to the high sugar concentration and low pH level, which create an environment that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
However, recent studies have shown that some germs can resist honey’s antimicrobial properties.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to antibiotics. Studies have shown that some strains of MRSA can also resist the antimicrobial properties of honey.
The reason for this resistance is not completely understood, but it is thought to be due to the production of extracellular polymeric substances that create a barrier between the bacteria and honey.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that is responsible for various infections in humans.
It has been shown to be resistant to honey’s antimicrobial properties, and this resistance has been attributed to the production of biofilms, which create a protective layer that prevents honey from reaching the bacteria.
Clostridium difficile
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis. It has been reported that some strains of C. difficile are resistant to honey’s antimicrobial properties.
The mechanism behind this resistance is not well understood, but it is thought to be due to the presence of spores that are not affected by honey.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
E. coli is a bacterium that is commonly found in the human gut. It has been shown to be resistant to honey’s antimicrobial properties, and this resistance is thought to be due to the production of biofilms.
However, some studies have shown that honey can still have some antimicrobial effect on E. coli when used in high concentrations.
Candida albicans
Candida albicans is a fungus that can cause infections in humans. It has been reported that some strains of C. albicans can also resist honey’s antimicrobial properties.
The reason for this resistance is not well understood, but it is thought to be due to the ability of the fungus to produce extracellular matrix, which creates a protective layer around the cells.
Salmonella enterica
Salmonella enterica is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning.
It has been shown to be resistant to honey’s antimicrobial properties, and this resistance has been attributed to the presence of efflux pumps, which can remove honey from the bacterial cell.
Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus niger is a fungus that can cause infections in humans. It has been reported that some strains of A. niger can resist honey’s antimicrobial properties.
The reason for this resistance is not well understood, but it is thought to be due to the ability of the fungus to produce pigments that protect it from the antimicrobial effects of honey.
Enterococcus faecium
Enterococcus faecium is a bacterium that is commonly found in the human gut. It has been shown to be resistant to honey’s antimicrobial properties, and this resistance is thought to be due to the production of biofilms.
However, some studies have shown that honey can still have some effect on E. faecium when used in high concentrations.
Candida glabrata
Candida glabrata is a fungus that can cause infections in humans. It has been reported that some strains of C. glabrata can resist honey’s antimicrobial properties.
The reason for this resistance is not well understood, but it is thought to be due to the ability of the fungus to produce extracellular matrix.
Streptococcus pyogenes
Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that can cause various infections in humans.
It has been shown to be resistant to honey’s antimicrobial properties, and this resistance is thought to be due to the production of extracellular polymeric substances.
Conclusion
Although honey has been traditionally considered as an effective antimicrobial agent, some germs can resist its antimicrobial properties.
The mechanisms behind this resistance are not completely understood, but they are thought to be due to the ability of microorganisms to produce biofilms, spores, extracellular matrix, or other substances that protect them from the antimicrobial effects of honey. Therefore, alternative approaches may need to be considered in the treatment of infections caused by these resistant germs.