The Identification of Multidrug-Resistant MicroorganismsincludingBergeyella zoohelcumAcquired from theSkin/Prosthetic Interface of Amputees and Their Susceptibilityto Medihoney™ and Garlic Extract (Allicin)

<div>Users of prosthetic devices face the accumulation of potentially drug-resistant pathogenic</div><div>bacteria on the skin/prosthesis interface. In this study, we took surface swabs of the skin/prosthesis</div><div>interface of eleven disabled athletes to identify microorganisms present. In addition to determining</div><div>their antimicrobial resistance profile, we assessed their sensitivity to Manuka honey and Garlic extract</div><div>(allicin). Eleven volunteers were directed to swab the skin at the skin/prosthesis interface. After initial</div><div>isolation of microorganisms, we employed the following general microbiological methods: Gram</div><div>stain, Catalase test, Oxidase test, lactose fermenting capability, haemolytic capability, Staphaurex,</div><div>mannitol fermenting capability, Streptex; API Staph, 20E, Candida, and BBL crystal identification</div><div>system tests. Once identified, isolates were analysed for their sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin,</div><div>ampicillin, vancomycin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and colistin-sulphate. Isolates were</div><div>also analysed for their sensitivity to allicin (Garlic Extract (GE)) and Manuka honey (Medihoney™)</div><div>(MH). Eleven isolates were identified: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus,</div><div>Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Group D Streptococcus,</div><div>Pantoea spp., Enterobacter cloacae, and Bergeyella zoohelcum. All isolates were resistant to 1 unit of</div><div>penicillin and 10 µg of ampicillin. Bergeyella zoohelcum was observed to have the widest range of</div><div>resistance with observed resistance against five of the eight antimicrobials employed in this study.</div><div>This study highlights the prevalence of uncommon drug-resistant microorganisms on the skin within</div><div>a vulnerable population, highlighting the potential for MH or GE intervention.</div>