Propolis as an alternative treatment for companion animal skin infections: addressing antimicrobial resistance
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Bacterial skin infections are among the most prevalent health concerns in companion animals and represent a primary driver for antimicrobial prescriptions within veterinary practices. The widespread use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing has contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in veterinary dermatology. This resistance complicates treatment outcomes and raises broader public health concerns under the One Health framework. Consequently, there is a growing need for alternative antimicrobial strategies that can reduce the reliance on conventional antibiotics. Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, has gained attention as a potential candidate due to its wide range of biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing. This structured narrative review evaluates the current evidence for propolis in the treatment of dermatologic infections in companion animals. The available evidence demonstrates that propolis exhibits antimicrobial activity against key veterinary dermatologic pathogens including Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Malassezia pachydermatis and dermatophytes. However, this evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies with very limited clinical data. While clinical studies have examined propolis in other veterinary dermatologic applications, no clinical trials to date have specifically investigated its use in the treatment of canine pyoderma, a common and frequently recurring skin infection in canine practice. Recommendations for future research include controlled clinical trials evaluating propolis for the treatment of companion animal skin infections as an adjunct to, or potential alternative for, conventional antibiotics, the development of standardization protocols due to the chemically heterogeneous nature of propolis and refinement of delivery systems. Overall, these findings support the promising potential of propolis as a treatment for skin infections in companion animals.
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Institution: University of the Sunshine Coast
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7223174724