THE ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF NUSANTARA HONEY AND TUALANG HONEY TOWARDS METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS.

ABSTRACT
The antibacterial activity of two different honey brands Nusantara and
Tualang honey obtained from different locations, Indonesia and Malaysia
respectively was investigated. As multi-resistant to antibiotics becomes more
common, there is a great requirement for alternative treatments. It has been
reported that the increasing cases of infected wounds are usually associated with
Gram-positive bacteria like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). The objectives of this study were to investigate the antibacterial activity
of Nusantara honey and Tualang honey against MRSA and to identify which one
of the honeys that gives the best antibacterial effect against the MRSA.
Honeys were tested for antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method
and their inhibition of growth of bacteria. Different concentrations of honey
(100%, 75%, 50%, 25%) were tested against the MRSA.
In the agar well diffusion method it was observed that the two honeys,
Nusantara and Tualang did not have any antibacterial activity against the MRSA.
It was noted that there was no inhibition zone around the well containing of the
honey.
Nusantara honey and Tualang honey exhibited no antibacterial effect
against the MRSA. This result suggest for further studies and it should be
emphasized more on the possible causative agent(s) involved in the antibacterial
activity of the honey used.

Keywords : Honey, Antibacterial activity, MRSA

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