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Published on: October 9, 2017
First report on isolation and characterization of Bacillus Sp. associated with honey bee brood disease
Shazia Amin1, Adil Khan2, Nasreen Nasreen1
1Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Bacterial infections in honey bee brood pose a significant threat to bee populations, leading to decreased honey production and disrupting critical crop pollination networks. While Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius are well-established as major pathogens of honey bee eggs and larvae, the presence of other harmful bacteria in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan remains largely unexplored. Molecular characterization of Bacillus species and B. cereus isolates revealed the presence of key virulence genes, including the cry gene, known for its insecticidal properties. The ability of B. cereus to produce cytotoxins, haemolysins, and enterotoxins raises concerns about its impact on larval immunity and survival. Similarly, B. mycoides, a close relative of B. cereus, was identified in diseased broods, highlighting its potential involvement in microbial dysbiosis within the hive. Reports from North America and Europe have also linked these Bacillus species to declining honey bee health, emphasizing the need for further investigation into their pathogenic mechanisms. This study investigated bacterial contamination in broods collected from infected beehives across various cities of KPK. Biochemical and molecular analyses revealed a widespread presence of bacteria the Bacillus species, as the emerging most dominant, followed by Bacillus cereus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between Bacillus species, and Bacillus cereus, highlighting their shared spore-forming characteristics. This research is the first to report the involvement of Bacillus species in infecting honey bee eggs and larvae, shedding light on a previously unrecognized threat to apiculture and pollination in the region.
Insights
This study identifies Bacillus species as a significant, previously unrecognized bacterial threat to honey bee brood in Pakistan. These findings highlight a new challenge for apiculture and pollination efforts in the region.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Microbiology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Honey bee brood bacterial infections threaten bee populations and pollination.
- Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius are known pathogens, but others are unexplored in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).
- Bacillus species, including B. cereus, are implicated in declining bee health globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bacterial contamination in honey bee broods from infected hives in KPK, Pakistan.
- To identify and characterize bacterial species, focusing on Bacillus species and B. cereus.
- To understand the potential role of these bacteria in honey bee larval health.
Main Methods:
- Collection of honey bee broods from infected apiaries across KPK.
- Biochemical analyses for bacterial identification.
- Molecular techniques and phylogenetic analysis for characterization and evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- Widespread bacterial contamination was detected in honey bee broods.
- Bacillus species were identified as the most dominant bacteria, followed by Bacillus cereus.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed close evolutionary links between Bacillus species and B. cereus.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus species represent a novel and significant threat to honey bee eggs and larvae in KPK.
- This research underscores the need for further investigation into the pathogenic mechanisms of these bacteria.
- Findings contribute to understanding and mitigating threats to apiculture and pollination services.
