The Identification of Multidrug Resistant Microorganisms Including Bergyella Zoohelcum Acquired from the Skin/Prosthetic Interface of Amputees and Their Susceptibility to Medihoney™ and Garlic Extract (Allicin)

Background: Users of prosthetic devices face the accumulation of potentially drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria on the skin/prosthesis interface. In this study, we took surface swabs of the skin/prosthesis interface of eleven disabled athletes to identify microorganisms present. In addition to determining their antimicrobial resistance profile, we assessed their sensitivity to Manuka honey and Garlic extract (allicin) MethodsEleven volunteers were directed to swab the skin at the skin/prosthesis interface. After initial isolation of microorganisms we employed the following general microbiological methods; Gram stain, Catalase test, Oxidase test, lactose fermenting capability, haemolytic capability, Staphaurex, mannitol fermenting capability, Streptex; API Staph, 20E, Candida, and BBL crystal identification system tests. Once identified, isolates were analysed for their sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin. ampicillin, vancomycin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and colistin-sulphate. Isolates were also analysed for their sensitivity to allicin (Garlic Extract (GE)) and Manuka honey (Medihoney™) (MH). ResultsEleven isolates were identified, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Group D Streptococcus, Pantoea spp., Enterobacter cloacae and Bergyella zoohelcum . All Gram-positive organisms were resistant to 1.5 units of penicillin and 10 μg of ampicillin, and two Gram-negatives Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and Bergyella zoohelcum were resistant to 10 μg ceftazidime, whilst Bergyella zoohelcum, was also resistant to 10 μg of gentamicin. In comparison, all organisms were sensitive to Manuka honey and nine sensitive to Allicin. ConclusionsThis study highlights the prevalence of uncommon drug resistant microorganisms on the skin within a vulnerable population, highlighting the potential for MH or GE intervention.