Hypochlorite solutions may be useful in managing CA-MRSA

A recent research report (December 2008) indicates that Bleach Baths may be useful in managing CA-MRSA outbreaks.

The researchers suggest that a five-minute soak in a bleach solution consisting of 2.5 mcL of bleach diluted into 13 gallons of water, or about one-half cup of bleach diluted into a 50-gallon standard tub filled one-quarter with water, could decrease CA-MRSA colonies by more than 99.9%.

Click here for the full article.

Manuka Honey for Treating MRSA

Research has shown that Manuka Honey has been shown to be effective as a topical application for treating MRSA:

http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/honey/contents.shtml

http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2001/november/Molan/honey-as-topical-agent.html

Dr. Molan has been a leader and pioneer in Honey Research and came up with the concept of the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). They don't really know the exact "stuff" in honey that contributes to its antibacterial properties but they can compare the effectiveness of the honey against a known control substance. In this case, they compare the honey with phenol:

New Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey is sold with the activity of its phytochemical antibacterial component rated on a 'UMF' scale, with the 'UMF' number being the equivalent concentration of phenol with the same antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (i.e. UMF 15 = 15% phenol)[1]

The UMF is a good way to standardize the Honey so you know what you are getting.

[1] Honey as a topical antibacterial agent for treatment of infected wounds, Dr. Peter Molan, PHD, December 2001

Allicin (Garlic) cures MRSA infection

MRSA Cure on the high street:

The new research, due to be published in the Journal of Alternatives in Natural Therapy in September 2008, will be welcomed by thousands of people affected by the superbug, from patients, doctors, nurses, community care workers and people due to be admitted into hospitals.
The patient study program followed 52 patients suffering from hospital acquired MRSA-infected wounds. MRSA infection was verified through swabbing and analysis in UEL laboratories. Patients were asked to take up to 1350mg of stabilised allicin capsules and some were asked to spray a stabilised allicin liquid or use a cream formulation on the infected area twice daily. All 52 case studies treated with stabilised allicin recovered fully from their MRSA infection. Many wounds healed between 4 and 12 weeks of starting treatment.
The paper also highlights in detail three case studies of patients with confirmed MRSA infections at multiple sites. All had been treated with a series of conventional antibiotics (oral, topical and intravenous) in hospital but were discharged when antibiotics proved to be ineffective.

This is Allicin from Allimax. It usually comes in a pack of 30 (180mg) capsules but higher dose capsules are available as well.

You can buy it for about $24.99 for the standard 30 pack. Doing a quick math analysis,
you will need to take:

• 1350mg/180mg = 7.5 capsules/day

The cost of a four week treatment will be:

• 7.5 capsules/day * 7 days/week * 4 weeks = 210 capsules
• 210 /30 = 7 packs
• 7 * 24.99 = $174.93

The cost of a 12 week treatment will be:

• 7.5 capsules/day * 7 days/week * 12 weeks = 630 capsules
• 630 /30 = 21 packs
• 21 * 24.99 = $524.29

This is CHEAP if it can truly cure the MRSA infections! And you don't need a prescription for this.

I will be eagerly looking for this publication when it comes out this month.

Manuka Oil vs Tea Tree for MRSA

Research has shown that Tea Tree Oil is effective as a topical application for treating MRSA:

http://www.tto.bcs.uwa.edu.au/
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w98/teatrees.html

However, Manuka Oil appears to be 20-30 times more effective than Tea Tree Oil in killing MRSA and other types of bacteria:



source: http://www.manuka-nz.co.nz/article_info.php/articles_id/34/

WARNING: There are numerous products (soap, shampoo, creams, etc) on the market today that includes Tea Tree Oil but may not be effective in treating MRSA and actually increase MRSA antibiotic resistance.

Research shows that these products need to contain a minimum of 4% Tea Tree Oil to be effective in killing MRSA. Perhaps the required Manuka Oil concentration may be even less?

The good news is that it's easy to make your own shampoos and liquid soaps. TheTruthAboutTeeTree site provides a lot of good information about Tee Tree Oils and info how to make your own.