July 15, 2002 – Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus), a virulent bacterium responsible for most infections contracted in hospitals, is now resistant to antibiotics. This is the announcement made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after a case of resistance to vancomycin, an antistaphylococcal antibiotic, was detected in an American patient in June 2002.1 This news, like an earthquake, shook the medical world and sowed a wind of panic in the face of the possible inability to curb the infectious diseases linked to this bacterium in hospitals and communities.
Among the factors put in the dock, the excessive use of these antimicrobials has allowed Staphylococcus aureus to develop resistance against them. Indeed, since the Second World War, the therapeutic use of antibiotics has spread with some 200 varieties developed and an average dose multiplied by 250.2 For the sake of profitability, antibiotics are also common in animal farms as a growth factor – half of the antibiotics sold target the livestock feed additive market, which also includes aquaculture2 . They are therefore found in meat, fish, and groundwater around farms and end up being ingested by humans.
In order to curb the problem, in addition to the hygienic precautions taken in hospitals3, research is underway to find other even more potent antibiotics that the bacteria may still try to foil.4
Mountain savory
According to its experts, aromatherapy remains an effective alternative still too unexplored since it would allow, in many cases and when it is properly used, to do without antibiotics. Some specialists have looked into the subject and worked on many tests in vitro, such as Paul Belaiche who devoted a complete chapter to infections acquired in hospitals by resistant bacteria in his book “Treaty of phytotherapy and aromatherapy” (Volume II, Maloine SA Editor) or Jacques Pellecuer who highlighted the mountain savory action (Satureja montana) on Staphylococcus aureus. Among other essential oils, oregano (Origanum compactum), thymol thyme (Thymus vugaris thymoliferum), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) and Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum made with the bark) are particularly recognized for their antibacterial properties. 5
Élisabeth Mercader – PasseportSanté.net
According to La Presse, July 8, 2002.
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staphylococcus aureus Resistant to Vancomycin. [Consulté le 12 juillet 2002]. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5126a1.htm
2. Geocities. Tougher, more dangerous bacteria (taken from an article in Quebec Science Magazine, March 1998). [Consulté le 12 juillet 2002]. http://www.geocities.com/boss_be_99/bacteries_resist.htm
3. Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance. Prevention and control of infections. [Consulé le 12 juillet 2002]. http://www.ccar-ccra.org/prevention-f.htm
4. Revenge of staphylococci.
5. Robert & Fils. Essential oils vs. antibiotics: an unequal battle! [Consulté le 8 juillet 2002]. http://www.robertetfils.com/fr/info-sante/is199906huiles.html
