Comparative Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of Manuka Honey and Egyptian Clover Honey

The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Manuka and Egyptian clover honey against five clinical isolates of each of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. and Proteus mirabilis isolated from diabetic foot ulcers were compared. The antibacterial activity was estimated by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Manuka honey showed higher antibacterial activities than clover honey as shown by lower MIC and MBC values. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis showed higher sensitivity to manuka honey than Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. Both types of honey showed bactericidal activities against all tested strains. The antibiofilm activities were investigated against one strong biofilm forming isolate of each strain. The antibiofilm activities of Manuka honey were significantly more potent than clover honey. The biofilm inhibiting activity of manuka honey was greater against Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Clover honey showed greater biofilm inhibiting activity against Klebsiella spp. and Proteus mirabilis. Biofilm disrupting activity of manuka honey was higher against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis, while clover exerted higher biofilm eradication activity against Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study suggests the use of manuka and Egyptian clover honey for treatment of diabetic foot infections. Manuka honey was more effective but Egyptian clover honey is cheaper.