Histopathological Studies on Liver, Kidney and Spleen of Staphylococcus aureus Infected BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Worker bees collect resin from tree buds, sap flows and other botanical sources mix it with salivary enzymes and wax to create propolis also referred as “bee glue”. They use it to seal gaps in the beehive, reinforce structural stability and protect against microorganisms. This study focuses on therapeutic effects of propolis on histology of liver, kidney and spleen of BALB/c mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus. In the experimental regimen, the Staphylococcus aureus infected mice group was compared with a normal control group and treatment groups, including those receiving propolis, antibiotics (ampicillin and amoxicillin) and a combination of propolis with antibiotics. Administration of Staphylococcus aureus caused notable histological changes in the organs. However, treatment with propolis extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight successfully mitigated the histological alterations in liver, kidney and spleen of infected mice which demonstrate ameliorative efficacy of propolis against Staphylococcus mediated damage. Although propolis has been widely recognized for its antimicrobial properties, limited research has explored its histoprotective effects on internal organs in bacterial infections. Furthermore, studies investigating its synergistic potential with conventional antibiotics remain scarce. This study aims to address these gaps by assessing the impact of propolis both independently as well as in combination with antibiotics on organ histology in bacterial infections. This research provides novel insights into the protective role of propolis in mitigating Staphylococcus aureus induced histological damage. Additionally, it highlights the potential of propolis as an adjunct therapy to conventional antibiotics paving the way for alternative treatment strategies that could enhance antibiotic efficacy while minimizing resistance development. Future studies should focus on elucidating the precise molecular mechanisms underlying propolis's protective effects and clinical trials are also necessary to validate its therapeutic efficacy in humans.