Egyptian fennel honey and/or propolis against MRSA harboring both mecA & icaA genes

Abstract

Methicillin resistance S. aureus (MRSA) isolated from various foods of bovine origin is of great concern about possible dissemination throughout the food production chain.1 MRSA resists β–lactams antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems groups)2 which are primarily conferred by the acquisition of mecA gene encoding penicillin binding protein (PBP 2a).3 This protein is an important factor in biofilm accumulation,4 then MRSA adhere to biotic or abiotic surfaces5 and be protected against hostile environments.6 MRSA antimicrobial resistance might be increased on harbouring any of biofilm producing gene (ica operon).7,8 MRSA such recalcitrant biofilm producers are 1000–fold more resistant to antibiotics and immune defense cellular elements.9 Moreover, biofilms act as reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms resulted in biomass formation difficult to be eradicated.10 So, searching for antimicrobial agent that fights biofilm production is of great concern. Against MRSA, not only honey11–21 or propolis22–27 has antimicrobial activities, but also they have tremendous antibiofilm activities28–31 which are widely studied and documented. Since Egyptian fennel honey has potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus,32–34 the study aimed to study the antimicrobial activity of Egyptian fennel honey and/or propolis against these stubborn biofilm producing MRSA recovered from food and food workers.