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Prospects for probiotics in social bees.

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Native bee gut bacteria show promise as probiotics, unlike commercial options. Introducing these natural bacteria can boost bee immunity and metabolism, potentially protecting managed bee colonies.

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Area of Science:

  • Pollination biology
  • Microbiome research
  • Insect health

Background:

  • Social bees rely on gut microbiomes for health benefits like immunity and digestion.
  • Disruptions to bee microbiomes, caused by stressors, increase pathogen susceptibility.
  • Commercial probiotics exist but lack robust evidence and often use non-native bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the colonization and immune/metabolic effects of native versus commercial probiotic bacteria in bee guts.
  • To assess the potential of native bee gut bacteria as natural probiotics for managed bees.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental administration of cultured native bee gut bacteria and a commercial probiotic to bees.
  • Assessment of bacterial colonization in bee guts.
  • Analysis of gene activation related to immunity and metabolism in worker bees.

Main Results:

  • Cultured native bee gut bacteria successfully colonized bee guts.
  • Bacteria from a commercial probiotic did not establish in bee guts.
  • A defined community of native bacteria activated immune and metabolic genes in bees.

Conclusions:

  • Native bee gut bacteria are robust colonizers and can positively influence bee immunity and metabolism.
  • Developing probiotics from native bee gut bacteria is a promising strategy for enhancing managed bee health.
  • Further research is needed, but natural probiotics offer a potential solution for pollinator protection.