The antibacterial effect of Sumbawa honey (Apis dorsata) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923)

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a highly pathogenic Gram-positive bacterial group that has resistance to antimicrobial agents. In Indonesia, the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus infection is 28% of the total cases of infection and exhibits an upward trend annually. The escalation of treatment and care expenses poses a significant challenge for global healthcare. Sumbawa honey (Apis dorsata) is a viable natural antimicrobial option that exhibits the potential to prevent the resistance tendencies of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: It is a laboratory experiment to compare effectiveness of Sumbawa honey (Apis dorsata) as an antibacterial therapy against Staphylococcus aureus isolates (ATCC 25923). Results: The study indicates that Apis dorsata exhibited antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The inhibition zone observed was 8 mm at a concentration of 100%, 18.4 mm at a concentration of 75%, 9 mm at a concentration of 50%, and 5.4 mm at a concentration of 25%. Vancomycin as a positive control shows an inhibition zone measuring 23 mm. The best antibacterial efficacy of Apis dorsata is found at a concentration of 75% (compared to a concentration of 100%). It happened because of the honey's elevated viscosity, which poses challenges in its penetration into the disc paper and subsequent diffusion into the surrounding media. Apis dorsata exhibits antibacterial properties due to the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. Conclusion: The concentration of 75%, exhibits the most potent antibacterial activity in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus isolates.