The Latest Buzz: Manuka Honey and Lung Superbugs!

All-natural Manuka honey is known to have wide-spread antibacterial properties, but did you know it has the potential to kill drug-resistant bacterial lung infections? Mycobacterium abscessus infections usually affect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis. Researchers at Aston University recently found the combination of amikacin (a commonly used antibiotic) and Manuka honey can treat this dangerous infection in lab-based nebulisation models.

This finding could lead to a number of positive clinical implications since Mycobacterium abscessus infections have been near-impossible to eradicate in patients with cystic fibrosis, until now. Patients with this type of infection are usually given a cocktail of antibiotics for 12 months, which doesn’t often translate to cure.

We’re looking forward to seeing how this research area advances and promising treatment options are investigated for patients with life-threatening lung infections, all thanks to the bees!

-Josée