Antibacterial, Anti-Swarming and Antibiofilm Activities of Local Egyptian Clover Honey against Proteus mirabilis Isolated from Diabetic Foot Infection

Diabetic foot infection is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to amputation of lower extremities. Proteus mirabilis is common in diabetic foot infections. These infections are problematic in treatment due to high resistance to antibiotics and biofilm formation. This study investigated the antimicrobial, anti-swarming and antibiofilm activities of local Egyptian clover honey against a clinical Proteus mirabilis isolate from diabetic foot ulcer. Honey is one of the oldest remedies for wound infections. Honey at a concentration of 40% was bactericidal to the planktonic cells of Proteus mirabilis. Swarming and biofilm formation are correlated. At 1/2 MIC of honey, it completely blocked swarming of Proteus mirabilis on 1.5% Luria-Bertani (LB) agar and inhibited biofilm formation by a percentage of 85.86±3.41. This study suggests the use of clover honey as an alternative therapy for treatment of diabetic foot infections caused by Proteus mirabilis due to combined antibacterial, anti-swarming and antibiofilm activities.