title: The efficacy of stingless bee honey for the treatment of bacteria-induced conjunctivitis in guinea pigs.
abstract: The efficacy of the conjunctival application of a crude concentration of stingless bee honey (SBH) for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis was investigated in an animal model. Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa was induced in Hartley guinea pigs. The conjunctival application of SBH or gentamicin was used for treatment, and the results of this treatment were compared with control values. Inflammatory signs, duration of infection (ie, positive culture), and time for the complete resolution of infection with S. aureus or P. aeruginosa were shortened by the conjunctival application of 1 drop (70 µL) of crude SBH twice daily. The potency of SBH was comparable with that of gentamicin. SBH may be a rational agent for the treatment of infective conjunctivitis in humans; it is inexpensive and commonly available to the rural population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Optometry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
authors.forename: Alex Azuka
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ilechie
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Wildlife, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
authors.forename: Peter Kofi
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Kwapong
authors.affiliation: Department of Optometry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
authors.forename: Edwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mate-Kole
authors.affiliation: Department of Optometry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kyei
authors.affiliation: Department of Optometry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Darko-Takyi
keywords: bacteria; conjunctivitis; efficacy; infection; inflammation; stingless bee honey