Portobello
honey could
be the answer
in fight against
bacteria
New
research
has shown that
honey produced in
Portobello, Edinburgh
is as effective in the
fight against bacteria
as the world famous
Manuka honey from
New Zealand.
QMU researchers found that if used
in high concentrations, Portobello
honey is equally as effective as Manuka
honey at killing some common strains
of bacteria which cause wound
infections.
The pilot research study investigated the
effects of both honeys on Staphylococcus
aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
E coli, all of which are known to infect
wounds. These bacteria present great
challenges in hospitals where patients
with wounds are often more susceptible
to infections.
Dr Lorna Fyfe, Senior Lecturer in
Microbiology and Immunology, led the
study. She explained: “Fighting harmful
bacteria has become a global challenge.
Bacteria are constantly evolving to become
resistant to antibiotics and the race is
on to develop alternative antimicrobial
agents which can fight a range of different
infections.
10
QMYOU / Health & Rehabilitation