Honey: A Sweet Solution to the Growing Problem of Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Volume

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, even higher than HIV/AIDS and malaria. Over- or misuse of antimicrobials in the healthcare, livestock, veterinary, and food industries leads to AMR. Since AMR is a cross-border threat to public health, a global approach (re-)inventing antimicrobial agents is crucial in tackling this issue. Thus far, the market has failed to respond to the quest for novel antimicrobial agents. Pharmaceutical companies demonstrate limited commercial interest because new drugs will be confined to the most severe cases, and resistance to new classes of antibiotics historically emerges within a couple of years. Without effective antibiotics, ostensibly simple wounds following injury or surgery may become infected and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, antibiotic stewardship and developing effective alternatives are crucial to controlling resistant infections.

Natural products traditionally implemented as medicines may constitute potent alternative antimicrobial agents. Medical-grade honey (MGH) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity via multiple mechanisms, making it very effective, even against multidrug-resistant microorganisms and biofilms. In contrast to modern antibiotics, no resistance towards honey has been reported after over five millennia of use. This is likely the result of the myriad antimicrobial mechanisms held by MGH, making it extremely difficult for pathogens to develop resistance. Interestingly, honey can also be combined with antibiotics and other agents, enhancing each other’s antimicrobial activity. MGH can be used for the treatment of various infections.

More studies that support the broad applicability and efficacy of MGH are needed. Studies investigating the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of unprocessed honey and/or MGH against (resistant) microbial infections, or those elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms, are welcome for submission to this Special Issue. Various formats are permitted (reviews, original research, case series, and animal and laboratory studies), as long as the ethical standards are followed.

We encourage submissions from different specialists within the human, animal, and environmental fields and from across the globe.

Dr. Niels A.J. Cremers
Dr. Frank Wagener
Dr. Dimitris Mossialos
Guest Editors

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