Antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing activities of selected Italian honeys against antibiotic-resistant pathogens

Three nectar honeys (eucalyptus, thyme and forest) and two honeydew honeys (fir and Metcalfa) from Italy were tested for their antibacterial activity against pathogens commonly associated with wound and burn infections, including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Faecalis (VREF). All honeys showed bactericidal activity against the microorganisms used, with honeydew honeys being the most effective. They also inhibited, in a dosedependent manner, violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum, thus demonstrating their ability to affect quorum sensing-regulated biofilm formation. Overall, the results obtained suggest that the honeys examined may have potential for developing natural antimicrobial compositions or dressings for the treatment of infected wounds or burns.