Animal group Lesion assessment Honey treated group Control group treated with pentostam injection
Ulcer size after infection -All animals developed typical cutaneous leishmaniasis after 2 weeks of infection. Ulcer size about 2cm
Lesion assessment after one week of treatment -Lesion appears bright red with healthy granulation tissue. Lesion appears full of pus
-Ulcer size started to decrease in size -Ulcer size increased in some cases
Lesion assessment after 2 weeks of treatmentSide effects of treatment -Healing of the ulcer confirmed by disappearance of amastigote in the smear and formation of healthy granulation tissue -Non –responsive ulcer with amastigote. Lesion appears with necrotic tissue full of pus
-Ulcer was decreased in size - No clinical change or progressing was observed
Healing duration Recovery of the ulcers was achieved after 4 weeks Recovery took prolonged time 12-16 weeks
Side effects of treatment Honey was applied and removed easily from the lesion without side effects Usually treatment with drug for long term has side effects, and need supportive treatment.
Susceptibility to secondary infection -Smears appear free of bacterial and fungal infection as honey acts as strong bactericidal effects -Lesion was full of pus due to secondary infection. Bactericidal agents must be used
Table 1: Patterns of honey and pentostam treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.