Identification of Parasitic Infections by Analyzing Honeybees, Honey, and Pollen Using Droplet Digital RT-PCR

Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. are common pathogens that contaminate water and food. They can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups like immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, young children, and aging people. An all-encompassing approach to minimizing transmission involves identifying effective techniques for detecting, treating, and preventing protozoan parasites. This study confirmed the effectiveness of a Droplet Digital Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (dd RT-PCR) method for quickly and accurately identifying Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium species in honeybees, honey, and pollen by using ISO 17468 and ISO 16140 standard guidelines. The study evaluated honeybee (n = 16), honey (n = 12), and pollen (n = 8) samples collected from various apiaries in Southern Italy between June and September 2023. The results showed that honeybees, honey, and pollen can be considered bioindicators of infections by T. gondii, G. intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. Furthermore, pollen, along with honey to a lesser degree, can serve as significant indicators for evaluating food safety. Therefore, it is essential to monitor their quality and purity due to environmental influences.