Antimicrobial effects of propolis on Clostridium difficile strains belonging to the different PCR-ribotypes

Clostridium dificile is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacilli which is a primary cause of nosocomial diarrhoea. The rising incidence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens such as C. dificile makes research for new treatments important and necessary. It has been observed that propolis has bactericidal effects. Propolis is a natural resinous hive product that is manufactured by honeybees (apis mellifera). The antimicrobial activity of propolis is an important biological property. Twenty strains of the C. dificile belonging to four prominent PCR-ribotypes (RT) (RT017, RT023, RT027, and RT046) were used in research. MBC value were determined by broth dilution method. Propolis samples were obtained from honey bees farm in Lublin voivodship. Bactericidal effect of propolis on C. dificile strains was observed at 3.9 mg/ml concentration.