Streptococcus pyogenes is a major human-specific bacterial pathogen that causes a wide array of manifestations ranging from mild localized infections to life-threatening invasive infections. It is extremely prevalent and although it is known for causing strep throat, it can also infect skin. Some common issues caused by this bacteria's infection that Manuka can assist with treating are:
Pharyngitis (Strep Throat): this is the most common manifestation of a Streptococcus pyogenes infection.
Scarlet fever: A rash that usually appears along with pharyngitis.
Impetigo: A superficial skin infection that causes red sores, which can ooze and form a yellow-brown crust. Common in children.
Cellulitis: A deeper skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
Necrotizing fasciitis: Also known as flesh-eating disease.
Pneumonia: an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
Plenty of research has found that Manuka honey is a potent killer of Streptococcus pyogenes both internally and externally when used topically. It does so by breaking down and preventing the formation of biofilms (which are communities of microbes that are often resistant to antibiotics), directly killing the bacteria by disrupting its membrane through methylglyoxal activity as well as through its osmotic effect, acidity, and hydrogen peroxide activity. While doing so it also soothes the infection symptoms especially through its anti-inflammatory properties such as Leptosperin.
Although we always advise to consult a medical professional for infections, and to utilize the treatment they recommend, it is undeniable that Manuka honey significantly helps with purging this bacteria while soothing the symptoms, as well as significantly assists in preventing an infection getting worse (when caught early) or preventing the infection to ever even occur in some cases (if consumed regularly).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22294681/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266353/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00569/full
https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/micro/10.1099/mic.0.053959-0
