Healing of an MRSA-colonized, hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcer with honey.
BACKGROUND
With the everincreasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, in particular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in leg ulcers, a means of reducing the bacterial bioburden of such ulcers, other than by the use of either topical or systemic antibiotics, is urgently required.


METHODS
We report the case of an immunosuppressed patient who developed a hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcer with subclinical MRSA infection which was subsequently treated with topical application of manuka honey, without cessation of hydroxyurea or cyclosporin.


RESULTS
MRSA was eradicated from the ulcer and rapid healing was successfully achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Honey is recognized to have antibacterial properties, and can also promote effective wound healing. A traditional therapy, therefore, appears to have enormous potential in solving new problems.
Natarajan
S
S
Wound Healing Research Unit, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. subramanian_natarajan@hotmail.com
Williamson
D
D
Grey
J
J
Harding
K G
KG
Cooper
R A
RA
D000287:Administration, Topical; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006722:Honey; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D008875:Middle Aged; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D006918:Hydroxyurea