Antibiotic Use in Beekeeping: Implications for Health and Environment from a One-Health Perspective

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Environmental Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Antibiotic use in beekeeping poses risks to honeybee health and environmental contamination.
• Oxytetracycline (OTC) use promotes antimicrobial resistance in bee-associated bacteria.
• Honeybees can act as vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (TET-RGs), spreading them widely.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) on honeybees.
• To assess antibiotic residues in honey and the environment.
• To examine the dissemination of tetracycline-resistance genes (TET-RGs) from a One Health perspective.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of honeybee hives (treated and untreated with OTC) were established near an almond grove.
• Samples of bees, honey, hive entrances, and flowers were collected pre- and post-treatment.
• Analysis of OTC residues and TET-RGs in collected samples.

Main Results:

• OTC residues were detected in honey from both treated and untreated hives, indicating cross-contamination.
• OTC residues were found in almond tree flowers, and various TET-RGs were detected in flowers and bee gut bacteria.
• Resistance genes appeared in bee gut bacteria post-treatment, suggesting OTC's influence on microbial communities.

Conclusions:

• OTC treatment poses a risk of cross-contamination and the spread of TET-RGs, impacting bee health and environmental safety.
• The study underscores the interconnectedness of bee health, antibiotic use, and environmental contamination.
• An antibiotic-free management strategy is recommended for sustainable beekeeping practices.