Abstract
New Delhi metallo-13-lactamase (NDM-1) producing bacteria being responsible for multiple ailments, pose serious threat to human health. The NDM infections are constantly increasing worldwide particularly in sub-continent including Pakistan. These bacteria show resistance to wide range of broad spectrum antibiotics leaving the treatment options limited. Manuka honey is traditionally used for medical purposes including remedy of bacterial infection. However, scientific evidences for its antimicrobial effects particularly against NDM-1 producing bacteria are lacking. In addition to antibiotic profiling, the present study aimed at determining the in vitro anti- bacterial activity of Manuka honey against NDM-1 producing clinical isolates of Pakistan. A total of five carbapenem resistant bacterial species; E. coli, K pneumoniae, E. cloacae, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, were isolated and identified using VITEK 2 compact system. Carbapenamase and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production by these isolates was confirmed by modified Hodge's test and disc potentiation method, respectively. The bla(NDM-1)genewas amplified by PCR and sequenced. MIC of different antibiotics were determined by VITEK 2 system and antibacterial activity, MIC and MBC of manuka honey was performed by agar well diffusion assay and microbroth dilution assay respectively. All isolates (n=5) were carbapenamase and MBL producers andNDM-1 gene carrier. These isolates displayed significant resistance against commonly used antibiotics including carbapenem and colistin proved to be most effective drug. Manuka honey manifested significant antibacterial activity against all test isolates with almost similar zone of inhibition (7.4mm) except E. cloacae. Highest MIC and MBC of manuka honey was observed against K pnewnoniae (30%v/v) while lowest against A. baumannii (20%v/v). Here, we conclude that Manuka honey possess potent antibacterial activity and might be used as an alternative treatment option against NDM-1 producing bacterial species. However, further clinical trials are mandatory to corroborate our initial findings.