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Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
06:41

Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

Published on: August 26, 2020

Bacteriophage therapy against American foulbrood in honey bees: a PRISMA-guided systematic review

Nike Walter1,2,3, Aaron Teja Bolte2, Mohammadali Khan Mirzaei3,4

  • 1Department for Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|June 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophages offer a promising, residue-free alternative for controlling American foulbrood (AFB) in honeybees. Phage cocktails demonstrated significant protection and recovery in hive trials, highlighting their potential as a sustainable bee disease management strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Apiculture and Veterinary Entomology
  • Microbiology and Virology
  • Bacterial Disease Control in Honeybees

Background:

  • American foulbrood (AFB), caused by *Paenibacillus larvae*, is a severe threat to *Apis mellifera* populations.
  • Traditional control methods are limited by persistent endospores and regulatory restrictions on antibiotic use.
  • Bacteriophages present a species-specific, residue-free alternative for AFB management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the current state of bacteriophage research for American foulbrood prevention and treatment in honeybees.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and translational potential of bacteriophage-based strategies for AFB control.

Main Methods:

  • A PRISMA-guided systematic review of literature from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed.
  • Studies involving bacteriophages targeting *Paenibacillus larvae* in *Apis mellifera* were included.
  • Data synthesis covered *in vitro* characterization, larval assays, and hive-level evaluations, including controlled trials.

Main Results:

  • Nine studies met inclusion criteria, evaluating 27 phages *in vitro*, 18 in larval assays, and nine at the hive level.
  • A three-phage cocktail provided complete protection (100%) against natural AFB and facilitated recovery within two weeks in a controlled hive trial.
  • Phage efficacy varied, with limited indirect larval exposure observed after adult feeding, suggesting hive-mediated inactivation as a barrier.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage cocktails demonstrate strong proof-of-concept for controlling American foulbrood in honeybees.
  • Further research priorities include optimizing phage formulation, delivery methods, and rational cocktail design for practical application.
  • Phage therapy represents a sustainable and residue-free strategy for bee disease management.
Keywords:
American foulbroodPaenibacillus larvaeantimicrobial resistancebacteriophagehoney bee

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