(5102) To Bee...or Not To Bee?
Sherri Tedford
Lakefield District SS



Abstract


Introduction

Honey has been used for centuries to help heal wounds and burns, and has long been known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, bacteria have progressively developed resistance to chemical synthetic drugs. Consequently, scientific efforts have been geared to developing alternative and natural treatments to conventional antibiotics. In clinical trials, honey has been shown to be more efficient and effective than conventional antibiotic treatments (Molan, 2001). Honey makes a favourable replacement for antibiotics as bacteria have never exhibited resistance to it, there are no side effects when used, and it is a natural, cost effective, readily available resource (Child Health Alert, 2008; Cooper, Molan, and Harding, 2002).

Leatherwood honey is produced from the nectar of leatherwood tree blossoms and is indigenous to the wetter forest regions of the western part of Tasmania and accounts for 70% of all honey produced in the country (Slow Food Australia, 2009).

Buckwheat is native to northern Asia and is a broadleaved plant that is ideal for beekeepers because of its long flowering period (Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute, nd).

Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by the naturally occurring manuka bush and is sold commercially for antimicrobial purposes (University of Waikato, 2008).

Different bacteria are responsible for wound contamination, wound colonization, and clinical infections and there is extensive awareness of methicillian-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within healthcare facilities (Basualdo et al., 2007). Staphylococcus epidermidis infections are commonly hospital-acquired due to the contamination of surgical cuts from microorganisms originating from patients themselves or hospital personnel (Basualdo et al., 2007).

I chose this topic because I am interested in a career in microbiology, particularly the area of infectious disease biology or epidemiology.

The results of this investigation are important because honey can be used:
a) as an alternative to traditional antibiotic therapy whose overuse has led to the evolution of many types of antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria;
b) to reduce contamination and hospital acquired infections;
c)as an additive to food sources to prevent food-borne bacterial contamination that cause disease;
d) as a cost effective antibacterial agent in developing countries.

Purpose

To determine the antibacterial effects of leatherwood, buckwheat, manuka and Billy Bee honey against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli.

Hypothesis

Leatherwood, buckwheat, and manuka will have an antibacterial effect against S.epidermidis and E.coli. Antibacterial effects will be significantly affected by exposure to heat, including pasteurization.

Method and Results

The antibacterial properties of various types of honey; leatherwood, buckwheat, manuka, and Billy Bee were quantitatively assessed by the presence or absence of a zone of inhibition on nutrient agar plates. This investigation was performed using whole plate, well diffusion method.

Leatherwood, buckwheat, and manuka honey demonstrated an antimicrobial effect against E.coli and S.epidermidis. Billy Bee honey failed to inhibit E.coli and S.epidermidis. Heat treatment of honey reduced or eliminated its antimicrobial properties.