Spring 2024-Week 7

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen found in dirt. It has become more commonly associated with hospital-related infections, including those such as ventilator-associated pneumonia. (Lima et al., 2017) It is also known for being particularly hard to kill because of its high intrinsic antibiotic resistance. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are considered two of the most prevalent pathogens in hospital-related infections. These strains of Staphylococcus usually are part of the human microbiota, and they can contaminate medical instruments and implants and cause infections. (Chessa et al., 2016) Certain strains of Staphylococcus Aureus have gained the ability to resist the antibiotic methicillin. This strain is known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). (Kot et al., 2020) Due to the increased emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, finding new ways to combat these pathogens has become essential. Their ability to form biofilms makes each of these bacteria difficult. Biofilm formation is one of the leading contributors to antibiotic resistance and hospital-related infections. The biofilm allows bacteria to stick and multiply on medical instruments. Biofilms comprise extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), S. Epidermis, and S. Aureus biofilms, which are polysaccharides, amyloids, and proteins. (Rachid et al., 2000) Studies suggest the synthesis of biofilms is due to the expression of icaADCB proteins. (Rohde et al., 2001) Manuka honey is derived from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand. (Adams et al., 2009) Unlike regular honey, which gets its antimicrobial characteristics from the increased presence of hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey's antimicrobial characteristics come from its high concentration of methylglyoxal. (Adams et al., 2008) Studies suggest that manuka honey can drug-resistant bacteria. (Brown et al., 2020) This study aims to explore manuka honey's efficacy in inhibiting biofilm growth. (Camplin & Maddocks, 2014)