Exploring the In-Vitro activity of the combination of Manuka honey and Cinnamomum verum bark oil against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition, High Institute of Public Health (HIPH), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

2 Al-Seyouf Family Medical Center, Alexandria, Ministry of Health

3 Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Division of Clinical and Biological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Alexandria, Egypt.

4 Department of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health (HIPH), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

Abstract

Background:  The spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) globally is a serious public health challenge due to its limited therapeutic options and high morbidity and mortality rates. This study was aimed to examine the in vitro activity of Manuka honey and cinnamon bark oil (CBO) against CRAB isolates obtained from various clinical samples. The broth microdilution technique was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Methods: The checkerboard test was additionally used to evaluate synergistic interactions between Manuka honey and CBO. Results: Both Manuka honey and CBO showed antibacterial activity against all CRAB isolates. The MICs for Manuka honey and CBO were determined as 103.88 mg/mL, and 1.9 μg/mL respectively, while all isolates tested had additive interactions with Manuka honey plus CBO. Conclusion: From this study, it can be inferred that there is in vitro efficacy of Manuka honey and CBO on CRAB isolates with potential for synergy interaction. However, further studies should investigate the possible clinical usefulness as well as mechanisms of action for these natural products against CRAB infections.

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