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Published on: February 24, 2013
Detection and identification of Melissococcus plutonius in stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) from Brazil
Érica W Teixeira1, Thaís A Viana2, Maria Augusta P Lima3
1Laboratório Especializado de Sanidade Apícola, Centro de Pesquisa de Sanidade Animal do Instituto Biológico/APTA/SAA, 12411-010 Pindamonhangaba, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
European Foulbrood (EFB), caused by the bacterium Melissococcus plutonius, primarily affects young bee larvae, which may lead to colony decline. Once thought to affect only western honey bee Apis mellifera, EFB is now spreading to other bee species in Brazil. We identified EFB and detected M. plutonius in 10 species of stingless bees (Meliponini, Apidae) across the States of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina, including new cases in Partamona helleri, Plebeia droryana, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata, Nannotrigona cfr. testaceicornis, and Tetragonisca angustula. The bacterium M. plutonius was also detected in larval food, honey, pollen, and other materials from the colonies of some stingless bee species, as well as in A. mellifera honey from colonies adjacent to stingless bee colonies, suggesting the rearing environment aids bacterial transmission. Our study highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and strict management practices, as no effective treatment exists in Brazil.
Insights
European Foulbrood (EFB), a bacterial disease, is now affecting Brazilian stingless bees, not just honey bees. This spread highlights the need for better bee health management and surveillance in Brazil.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Bacteriology
- Veterinary Entomology
Background:
- European Foulbrood (EFB) is a significant bee larvae disease caused by Melissococcus plutonius.
- Previously, EFB was primarily associated with the western honey bee (Apis mellifera).
Observation:
- This study identified EFB and Melissococcus plutonius in ten stingless bee species across Brazil.
- New cases were documented in Partamona helleri, Plebeia droryana, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata, Nannotrigona cfr. testaceicornis, and Tetragonisca angustula.
- The bacterium was found in larval food, honey, and pollen within stingless bee colonies.
Findings:
- Melissococcus plutonius transmission is facilitated by the shared rearing environment.
- The pathogen was also detected in Apis mellifera honey from colonies near stingless bee populations.
Implications:
- The findings indicate a broader host range for EFB, impacting native stingless bee populations.
- There is an urgent need for enhanced surveillance and stringent management protocols for EFB in Brazil.
- The lack of an effective treatment in Brazil necessitates preventative measures to protect bee colonies.
