Short Communication: Efficacy of Two Commercial Disinfectants on Paenibacillus larvae Spores
Joseph Kiriamburi1, Jamleck Muturi1, Julius Mugweru1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya.
Abstract:
Paenibacillus larvae is a spore-forming bacterium causing American foulbrood (AFB) in honey bee larvae. The remains of a diseased larva contains billions of extremely resilient P. larvae spores viable for decades. Burning clinically symptomatic colonies is widely considered the only workable strategy to prevent further spread of the disease, and the management practices used for decontamination requires high concentrations of chemicals or special equipment. The aim of this study was to test and compare the biocidal effect of two commercially available disinfectants, "Disinfection for beekeeping" and Virkon S on P. larvae. The two products were applied to P. larvae spores in suspension as well as inoculated on two common beehive materials, wood and Styrofoam. "Disinfection for beekeeping" had a 100 % biocidal effect on P. larvae spores in suspension compared to 87.0-88.6% for Virkon S which, however, had a significantly better effect on P. larvae on Styrofoam. The two disinfectants had similar effect on infected wood material.
Insights
This study compared disinfectants for American foulbrood (AFB) control. "Disinfection for beekeeping" effectively killed Paenibacillus larvae spores, while Virkon S showed better results on Styrofoam.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Entomology
Background:
- American foulbrood (AFB) is a devastating honey bee larval disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae spores.
- P. larvae spores are highly resilient, persisting for decades and complicating disease management.
- Current decontamination methods for AFB are often intensive, requiring high chemical concentrations or specialized equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the efficacy of two commercial disinfectants, "Disinfection for beekeeping" and Virkon S, against P. larvae.
- To assess the biocidal activity of these disinfectants on P. larvae spores in suspension and on common beekeeping materials.
Main Methods:
- P. larvae spores were subjected to treatment with "Disinfection for beekeeping" and Virkon S.
- Disinfectant efficacy was tested on spores in liquid suspension.
- Inoculated spores on wood and Styrofoam materials were also treated to simulate beehive conditions.
Main Results:
- "Disinfection for beekeeping" achieved 100% biocidal effect on P. larvae spores in suspension.
- Virkon S demonstrated 87.0-88.6% efficacy in suspension but showed significantly better results on P. larvae inoculated on Styrofoam.
- Both disinfectants exhibited similar efficacy on infected wood material.
Conclusions:
- "Disinfection for beekeeping" is highly effective against P. larvae spores in suspension.
- Virkon S offers a viable alternative, particularly for disinfecting Styrofoam surfaces in beekeeping.
- Further research into optimized disinfectant application for AFB management is warranted.
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