Objective:To study the possibility of manuka honey promoting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) into small colony variants (SCVs), and discuss its effects on antibiotic tolerance. MethodsIn nutrient broth (NB) containing or without manuka honey at sub minimal inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC), the SCVs were cultured. Then the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were detected and compared. Compared with precursor cells, the tolerance on antibiotics in these SCVs was detected, and whether SCVs were Staphylococcus aureus were verified.  Results:The minimal inhibitory concentration was increased from 6% to 6.5%. However, the minimal bactericidal concentration showed no significant change (P>0.05). All SCVs were verified to be Staphylococcus aureus. SCVs resistance to oxacillin was increased, with no statistically significant difference.  Conclusion:Manuka honey is capable of promoting the development of SCVs in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, for the subsequent treatment with manuka honey or oxacillin, there was no obvious change in resistance.