Plant extracts and honey bee as alternative medicine to treat urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant E. coli

Background: E. coli urinary tract infections require ongoing care, and natural approaches like plant extracts and honey bees are crucial due to antibiotic resistance in bacterial isolates. The purpose of this study is to determine how well some plant extracts and honey bee work against resistant E. coli isolates. Methods: The study involved 276 urine samples from males and females, which were tested for UTIs. Gram-negative bacilli bacteria were identified using Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, and E. coli was isolated using biochemical tests. The antibiotic sensitivity of E. coli was assessed using disc diffusion, and EUCAST methodologies applied MIC and MBC for E. coli isolates using chloramphenicol and ofloxacin. Extracts from plants and honey bees were also examined against resistant E. coli isolates. Results: Out of 276 urine samples, 200 had UTIs, with E. coli being the most common isolate. Chloramphenicol had a 23.0% sensitivity against E. coli, while ofloxacin had 21%, norfloxacin 20%, amikacin 16%, and erythromycin 15%. No significant difference was found between the MIC and MBC of chloramphenicol and ofloxacin (p > 0.05). The study found that thyme and cinnamon plant extracts are more effective against E. coli isolates. All honey bee species have antibacterial properties against E. coli, with pond grain honey being the most efficient. The combination of thyme extract and honey bee with antibiotics ofloxacin is synergistic. Conclusions: Thyme extracts and honey bee offer a safe, effective, and ongoing defense against E. coli resistant to antibiotics, providing a new approach to treating UTIs.