Action of antibiotic oxacillin on in vitro growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) previously treated with homeopathic medicines.
BACKGROUND
Resistance to antibiotics is a major public health concern worldwide. New treatment options are needed and homeopathy is one such option. We sought to assess the effect of the homeopathic medicine Belladonna (Bell) and a nosode (biotherapy) prepared from a multi-drug resistant bacterial species, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), on the same bacterium.


METHODS
Bell and MRSA nosode were prepared in 6cH and 30cH potencies in 30% alcohol and sterile water, according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia and tested on MRSA National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC) 10442. We assessed in vitro bacterial growth, deoxyribonuclease (DNAase) and hemolysin activity, and in vitro bacterial growth in combination with oxacillin (minimum inhibitory concentration - MIC). All values were compared to control: 30% alcohol and water.


RESULTS
In vitro growth of MRSA was statistically significantly inhibited in the presence of Bell and nosode 6cH and 30cH compared to controls (p < 0.0001); and with combination of Bell or nosode 6cH and 30cH and oxacillin (p < 0.001). Bell 30cH and nosode 6cH and 30cH significantly decreased bacterial DNAse production (p < 0.001) and reduced red blood cell lysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Cultures of MRSA treated with Belladonna or MRSA nosode exhibited reduced growth in vitro, reduced enzymatic activity and became more vulnerable to the action of the antibiotic oxacillin. Further studies are needed on the biomolecular basis of these effects.
ABC Medical School of Santo André, Rua Principe de Gales, 821 Santo André, Brazil. Electronic address: tania.passeti@japta.com.br.
Tânia Aguiar
TA
Passeti
ABC Medical School of Santo André, Rua Principe de Gales, 821 Santo André, Brazil. Electronic address: leandrobissoli@ymail.com.
Leandro Ribeiro
LR
Bissoli
ABC Medical School of Santo André, Rua Principe de Gales, 821 Santo André, Brazil. Electronic address: anapaula-macedo@hotmail.com.
Ana Paula
AP
Macedo
ABC Medical School of Santo André, Rua Principe de Gales, 821 Santo André, Brazil. Electronic address: registila@uol.com.br.
Registila Beltrame
RB
Libame
Department of Biotechnology and Pharmacy, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: dinizsusana@gmail.com.
Susana
S
Diniz
Outpatient Clinic, São Paulo Medical Association, Rua Diogo de Faria 839, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: dr.silvia.waisse@gmail.com.
Silvia
S
Waisse
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001532:Atropa belladonna; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D008419:Materia Medica; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010068:Oxacillin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D008419:Materia Medica; D028321:Plant Preparations; D010068:Oxacillin
Belladonna; DNase; Hemolysin; In vitro growth; MRSA; Nosode; Oxacillin