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The transmittable through stinging microbiota differs between honeybees and wasps: a potentially greater microbial
Ioanna Gkitsaki1, Alexandros Papachristoforou2,3, Sofia Michailidou4
1Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece.
Abstract:
The present research investigated whether accidental contact through stinging with honeybees, wasps, and hornets could represent a microbial hazard for humans. It has been previously suggested that such contact may transmit pathogens causing infections that could even be fatal for some susceptible individuals. Stinging simulation experiments were performed in the lab with live insects collected from the environment in Lemnos Island (north-eastern Greece), while different selective agar media targeting some clinically important bacteria (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis/faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were used as substrates for microbial recovery and identification. Results revealed none of the target pathogenic bacterial species in the honeybee samples, with bacilli, staphylococci, and micrococci dominating their surveyed microbiota. However, most of the suspect colonies isolated from wasps and hornets belonged to important hygienic indicators (i.e., enterococci, Proteus mirabilis, and coliforms), implying possible contact of these insects with fecal origin materials. To sum up, the microbiota that may be transmitted to humans through stinging appears to differ between honeybees and wasps/hornets, while the isolation from the latter samples of some other important opportunistic pathogens, such as Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp., also known for multidrug resistance, could be an additional reason of concern.
Insights
Honeybee stings pose minimal microbial risk, unlike wasp and hornet stings which may transmit harmful bacteria. This research highlights differences in insect-borne microbial hazards, emphasizing potential risks from wasps and hornets.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Accidental contact via stinging from insects like honeybees, wasps, and hornets may pose a microbial hazard to humans.
- Previous suggestions indicate potential transmission of pathogens, leading to severe or fatal infections in susceptible individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial risk associated with stinging by honeybees, wasps, and hornets.
- To identify specific bacterial pathogens that could be transmitted through insect stings.
Main Methods:
- Live insects (honeybees, wasps, hornets) were collected from Lemnos Island, Greece.
- Stinging simulation experiments were conducted in a laboratory setting.
- Selective agar media were used to recover and identify target bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis/faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Main Results:
- No target pathogenic bacteria were detected in honeybee samples; bacilli, staphylococci, and micrococci were dominant.
- Samples from wasps and hornets yielded significant hygienic indicator bacteria, including enterococci, Proteus mirabilis, and coliforms, suggesting contact with fecal matter.
- Opportunistic pathogens like Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp., known for multidrug resistance, were also isolated from wasps and hornets.
Conclusions:
- The microbial communities transmitted through stings differ between honeybees and wasps/hornets.
- Wasp and hornet stings represent a greater microbial concern due to the presence of indicator organisms and multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens.
- Further research into insect-borne pathogens is warranted to assess public health risks.
