Researchers at Aston University have demonstrated that manuka honey can enable the use of an eightfold lower dose of the antibiotic amikacin to tackle a potentially fatal lung infection in individuals with cystic fibrosis. The findings were reported in the journal Microbiology.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes the airways in the lungs to widen and mucus to accumulate, creating an environment where certain bacteria can thrive. One particularly troublesome pathogen is Mycobacterium abscessus, known for its resistance to many treatments and for the harsh side effects associated with the drugs used to combat it, including the risk of hearing loss.
In this research, scientists collected bacterial samples from sixteen people living with cystic fibrosis and infected by Mycobacterium abscessus. The team tested amikacin, a drug commonly delivered to the lungs via a nebulizer, in combination with manuka honey in a laboratory lung model. The results indicated that the mixture allowed for a substantially lower dose of amikacin to remain effective, reducing potential toxicity without compromising antibacterial activity.
Current treatment protocols for this infection typically involve a multi-drug regimen extended over eight to twelve months. While such therapies can help, they rarely cure the infection and often bring about significant adverse effects. Amikacin serves as a critical component of therapy, but its toxicity is a major concern. Lowering the required dose could lessen the risk of hearing impairment and improve the overall quality of life for patients, making the therapy more tolerable in the long run.
Until now, eradicating Mycobacterium abscessus in people with cystic fibrosis has been exceptionally difficult. The infection can become life-threatening, and in some cases it complicates decisions around lung transplantation, where patient safety during surgery is paramount. The implications of reducing reliance on high antibiotic doses extend beyond individual outcomes, potentially influencing clinical guidelines and future research directions in the management of resistant lung infections for cystic fibrosis patients.
Experts emphasize that these findings are preliminary and derived from controlled laboratory studies. They highlight the need for further research, including clinical trials, to confirm safety and effectiveness in real-world patient care. If validated, the combination approach could complement existing therapies, offering a pathway to lower antibiotic exposure while maintaining antimicrobial impact for those facing stubborn lung infections.
Overall, the study represents a meaningful step toward addressing the dual challenge of treating resistant bacteria and protecting patients from the side effects that often accompany long-term antibiotic use. The potential to shorten treatment duration and reduce toxicity could have lasting benefits for the health and well‑being of individuals living with cystic fibrosis around the world.