iv ABSTRACT
The antibacterial activity of two different honey brands Nusantara and Tualang honey obtained from different locations, Indonesia and Malaysia respectively was investigated. As multi-resistant to antibiotics becomes more common, there is a great requirement for alternative treatments. It has been reported that the increasing cases of infected wounds are usually associated with Gram-positive bacteria like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The objectives of this study were to investigate the antibacterial activity ofNusantara honey andTualanghoney against MRSA and to identify which one of the honeys that gives the best antibacterial effect against the MRSA.
Honeys were tested for antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method and their inhibition of growth of bacteria. Different concentrations of honey (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%) were tested against the MRSA.
In the agar well diffusion method it was observed that the two honeys, NusantaraandTualangdid not have any antibacterial activity against the MRSA. It was noted that there was no inhibition zone around the well containing of the honey.
Nusantara honey and Tualang honey exhibited no antibacterial effect against the MRSA. This result suggest for further studies and it should be emphasized more on the possible causative agent(s) involved in the antibacterial activity of the honey used.
