Habituation to sub-lethal concentrations of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is associated with reduced susceptibility to antibiotics in human pathogens

M Ann S McMahon; Ian S Blair; John E Moore; David A McDowell

doi:10.1093/jac/dkl443

Habituation to sub-lethal concentrations of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is associated with reduced susceptibility to antibiotics in human pathogens

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2007 Jan;59(1):125-7. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkl443. Epub 2006 Oct 28.

Authors

M Ann S McMahon¹, Ian S Blair, John E Moore, David A McDowell

Affiliation

¹ Food Microbiology Research Group, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland BT37 OQB, UK. ma.mcmahon@ulster.ac.uk

PMID: 17071952
DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkl443

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of sub-lethal challenge with tea tree oil (TTO) on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of significant human pathogens and commensals.

Methods: The study compared the antibiotic susceptibility (Etest) patterns of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus/methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Salmonella spp. after broth culture for 72 h in the presence or absence of sub-lethal concentrations of TTO (0.25%, 0.25% and 0.1%).

Results: All habituated cultures (exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of TTO) displayed reduced susceptibility to a range of clinically relevant antibiotics compared with non-habituated (control) cultures.

Conclusions: Although TTO may be an effective antimicrobial agent when appropriately used at bactericidal concentrations, its application at sub-lethal concentrations may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in human pathogens.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects*
Escherichia coli / drug effects
Humans
Salmonella / drug effects
Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
Tea Tree Oil / toxicity*

Substances

Tea Tree Oil