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El Khoury S, Gauthier J, Mercier PL, Moïse S, Giovenazzo P, Derome N. Honeybee gut bacterial strain improved survival and gut microbiota homeostasis in Apis mellifera exposed in vivo to clothianidin. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0057824. [PMID: 39189755 PMCID: PMC11448422 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00578-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are causing honeybee mortality worldwide. Research carried out on honeybees indicates that application of pesticides has a significant impact on the core gut community, which ultimately leads to an increase in the growth of harmful pathogens. Disturbances caused by pesticides also affect the way bacterial members interact, which results in gut microbial dysbiosis. Administration of beneficial microbes has been previously demonstrated to be effective in treating or preventing disease in honeybees. The objective of this study was to measure under in vivo conditions the ability of two bacterial strains (the Enterobacter sp. and Pantoea sp.) isolated from honeybee gut to improve survival and mitigate gut microbiota dysbiosis in honeybees exposed to a sublethal clothianidin dose (0.1 ppb). Both gut bacterial strains were selected for their ability to degrade clothianidin in vitro regardless of their host-microbe interaction characteristics (e.g., beneficial, neutral, or harmful). To this end, we conducted cage trials on 4- to 6-day-old newly emerging honeybees. During microbial administration, we jointly monitored the taxonomic distribution and activity level of bacterial symbionts quantifying 16S rRNA transcripts. First, curative administration of the Pantoea sp. strain significantly improved the survival of clothianidin-exposed honeybees compared to sugar control bees (i.e., supplemented with sugar [1:1]). Second, curative administration of the Enterobacter sp. strain significantly mitigated the clothianidin-induced dysbiosis observed in the midgut structural network, but without improving survival. IMPORTANCE The present work suggests that administration of bacterial strains isolated from honeybee gut may promote recovery of gut microbiota homeostasis after prolonged clothianidin exposure, while improving survival. This study highlights that gut bacterial strains hold promise for developing efficient microbial formulations to mitigate environmental pesticide exposure in honeybee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Khoury
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Jeff Gauthier
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Luc Mercier
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Moïse
- INRS, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Nicolas Derome
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Wueppenhorst K, Alkassab AT, Beims H, Ernst U, Friedrich E, Illies I, Janke M, Kirchner WH, Seidel K, Steinert M, Yurkov A, Erler S, Odemer R. Honey bee colonies can buffer short-term stressor effects of pollen restriction and fungicide exposure on colony development and the microbiome. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116723. [PMID: 39024947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) have to withstand various environmental stressors alone or in combination in agriculture settings. Plant protection products are applied to achieve high crop yield, but residues of their active substances are frequently detected in bee matrices and could affect honey bee colonies. In addition, intensified agriculture could lead to resource limitation for honey bees. This study aimed to compare the response of full-sized and nucleus colonies to the combined stressors of fungicide exposure and resource limitation. A large-scale field study was conducted simultaneously at five different locations across Germany, starting in spring 2022 and continuing through spring 2023. The fungicide formulation Pictor® Active (active ingredients boscalid and pyraclostrobin) was applied according to label instructions at the maximum recommended rate on oil seed rape crops. Resource limitation was ensured by pollen restriction using a pollen trap and stressor responses were evaluated by assessing colony development, brood development, and core gut microbiome alterations. Furthermore, effects on the plant nectar microbiome were assessed since nectar inhabiting yeast are beneficial for pollination. We showed, that honey bee colonies were able to compensate for the combined stressor effects within six weeks. Nucleus colonies exposed to the combined stressors showed a short-term response with a less favorable brood to bee ratio and reduced colony development in May. No further impacts were observed in either the nucleus colonies or the full-sized colonies from July until the following spring. In addition, no fungicide-dependent differences were found in core gut and nectar microbiomes, and these differences were not distinguishable from local or environmental effects. Therefore, the provision of sufficient resources is important to increase the resilience of honey bees to a combination of stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Wueppenhorst
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute, Messeweg 11-12, Braunschweig 38104, Germany; Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelsohnstraße 4, Braunschweig 38106, Germany.
| | - Abdulrahim T Alkassab
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute, Messeweg 11-12, Braunschweig 38104, Germany
| | - Hannes Beims
- Fachberatung für Imkerei, Bezirk Oberbayern, Prinzregentenstraße 14, München 80538, Germany; Institute for Apicuture, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Herzogin-Eleonore-Allee 5, Celle 29221, Germany
| | - Ulrich Ernst
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Erna-Hruschka-Weg 6, Stuttgart 70599, Germany; KomBioTa - Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Elsa Friedrich
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Erna-Hruschka-Weg 6, Stuttgart 70599, Germany
| | - Ingrid Illies
- Institute for Bee Research and Beekeeping, Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture, An der Steige 15, Veitshöchheim 97209, Germany
| | - Martina Janke
- Institute for Apicuture, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Herzogin-Eleonore-Allee 5, Celle 29221, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H Kirchner
- Behavioral Biology and Biology Education, Ruhr-University-Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Kim Seidel
- Institute for Apicuture, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Herzogin-Eleonore-Allee 5, Celle 29221, Germany
| | - Michael Steinert
- Institute for Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Andrey Yurkov
- DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Leibnitz Institute, Inhoffenstraße 7b, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Silvio Erler
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute, Messeweg 11-12, Braunschweig 38104, Germany; Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelsohnstraße 4, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Richard Odemer
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute, Messeweg 11-12, Braunschweig 38104, Germany
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3
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Luo S, Zhang X, Zhou X. Temporospatial dynamics and host specificity of honeybee gut bacteria. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114408. [PMID: 38935504 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Honeybees are important pollinators worldwide, with their gut microbiota playing a crucial role in maintaining their health. The gut bacteria of honeybees consist of primarily five core lineages that are spread through social interactions. Previous studies have provided a basic understanding of the composition and function of the honeybee gut microbiota, with recent advancements focusing on analyzing diversity at the strain level and changes in bacterial functional genes. Research on honeybee gut microbiota across different regions globally has provided insights into microbial ecology. Additionally, recent findings have shed light on the mechanisms of host specificity of honeybee gut bacteria. This review explores the temporospatial dynamics in honeybee gut microbiota, discussing the reasons and mechanisms behind these fluctuations. This synopsis provides insights into host-microbe interactions and is invaluable for honeybee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Luo
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Gaubert J, Mercier PL, Martin G, Giovenazzo P, Derome N. Managing Microbiota Activity of Apis mellifera with Probiotic (Bactocell ®) and Antimicrobial (Fumidil B ®) Treatments: Effects on Spring Colony Strength. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1154. [PMID: 38930537 PMCID: PMC11205764 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Against a backdrop of declining bee colony health, this study aims to gain a better understanding of the impact of an antimicrobial (Fumidil B®, Can-Vet Animal Health Supplies Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada) and a probiotic (Bactocell®, Lallemand Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada) on bees' microbiota and the health of their colonies after wintering. Therefore, colonies were orally exposed to these products and their combination before wintering in an environmental room. The results show that the probiotic significantly improved the strength of the colonies in spring by increasing the total number of bees and the number of capped brood cells. This improvement translated into a more resilient structure of the gut microbiota, highlighted by a more connected network of interactions between bacteria. Contrastingly, the antimicrobial treatment led to a breakdown in this network and a significant increase in negative interactions, both being hallmarks of microbiota dysbiosis. Although this treatment did not translate into a measurable colony strength reduction, it may impact the health of individual bees. The combination of these products restored the microbiota close to control, but with mixed results for colony performance. More tests will be needed to validate these results, but the probiotic Bactocell® could be administrated as a food supplement before wintering to improve colony recovery in spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Gaubert
- Derome Laboratory, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.-L.M.); (N.D.)
- Giovenazzo, Laboratory, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Pierre-Luc Mercier
- Derome Laboratory, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.-L.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Georges Martin
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales de Deschambault, Deschambault, QC G0A 1S0, Canada;
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Giovenazzo, Laboratory, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Nicolas Derome
- Derome Laboratory, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.-L.M.); (N.D.)
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5
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Smriti, Rana A, Singh G, Gupta G. Prospects of probiotics in beekeeping: a review for sustainable approach to boost honeybee health. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:205. [PMID: 38573383 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Honeybees are vital for global crop pollination, making indispensable contributions to agricultural productivity. However, these vital insects are currently facing escalating colony losses on a global scale, primarily attributed to parasitic and pathogenic attacks. The prevalent response to combat these infections may involve the use of antibiotics. Nevertheless, the application of antibiotics raises concerns regarding potential adverse effects such as antibiotic resistance and imbalances in the gut microbiota of bees. In response to these challenges, this study reviews the utilization of a probiotic-supplemented pollen substitute diet to promote honeybee gut health, enhance immunity, and overall well-being. We systematically explore various probiotic strains and their impacts on critical parameters, including survival rate, colony strength, honey and royal jelly production, and the immune response of bees. By doing so, we emphasize the significance of maintaining a balanced gut microbial community in honeybees. The review also scrutinizes the factors influencing the gut microbial communities of bees, elucidates the consequences of dysbiosis, and evaluates the potential of probiotics to mitigate these challenges. Additionally, it delineates different delivery mechanisms for probiotic supplementation and elucidates their positive effects on diverse health parameters of honeybees. Given the alarming decline in honeybee populations and the consequential threat to global food security, this study provides valuable insights into sustainable practices aimed at supporting honeybee populations and enhancing agricultural productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Anita Rana
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India.
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Garima Gupta
- Department of Agriculture (UIAS), Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
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Roy N, Moon S, Kim C, Kim JM, Lee KS, Shin Y, Shanmugam G, Choi K. Probiotic Potential of Bacillus Subtilis Strain I3: Antagonistic Activity Against Chalkbrood Pathogen and Pesticide Degradation for Enhancing Honeybee Health. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10248-w. [PMID: 38564169 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10248-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
To explore the potential of probiotic candidates beneficial for honeybee health through the modulation of the gut microbiome, bee gut microbes were isolated from bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and honeybee (Apis mellifera) using diverse media and cultural conditions. A total of 77 bee gut bacteria, classified under the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, were identified. The antagonistic activity of the isolates against Ascosphaera apis, a fungal pathogen responsible for chalkbrood disease in honeybee larvae, was investigated. The highest growth inhibition percentage against A. apis was demonstrated by Bacillus subtilis strain I3 among the bacterial strains. The presence of antimicrobial peptide genes in the I3 strain was detected using PCR amplification of gene fragments encoding surfactin and fengycin utilizing specific primers. The export of antimicrobial peptides by the I3 strain into growth medium was verified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Furthermore, the strain's capabilities for degrading pesticides, used for controlling varroa mites, and its spent growth medium antioxidant activity were substantiated. The survival rate of honeybees infected with (A) apis was investigated after feeding larvae with only medium (fructose + glucose + yeast extract + royal jelly), (B) subtilis I3 strain, A. apis with medium and I3 strain + A. apis with medium. Honeybees receiving the I3 strain + A. apis exhibited a 50% reduction in mortality rate due to I3 strain supplementation under experimental conditions, compared to the control group. In silico molecular docking revealed that fengycin hydrolase from I3 strain effectively interacted with tau-fluvalinate, suggesting its potential in bee health and environmental protection. Further studies are needed to confirm the effects of the I3 strain in different populations of honey bees across several regions to account for genetic and environmental variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazish Roy
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunmi Moon
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaerin Kim
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Myung Kim
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Sik Lee
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongho Shin
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Gnanendra Shanmugam
- Department of Biotechnology, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Kihyuck Choi
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Quinn MW, Daisley BA, Vancuren SJ, Bouchema A, Niño E, Reid G, Thompson GJ, Allen-Vercoe E. Apirhabdus apintestini gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of a novel genus of the family Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from the gut of the western honey bee Apis mellifera. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2024; 74. [PMID: 38652096 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, CA-0114T, was isolated from the midgut of a western honey bee, Apis mellifera. The isolate exhibited ≤96.43 % 16S rRNA gene sequence identity (1540 bp) to members of the families Enterobacteriaceae and Erwiniaceae. Phylogenetic trees based on genome blast distance phylogeny and concatenated protein sequences encoded by conserved genes atpD, fusA, gyrB, infB, leuS, pyrG and rpoB separated the isolate from other genera forming a distinct lineage in the Enterobacteriaceae. In both trees, the closest relatives were Tenebrionicola larvae YMB-R21T and Tenebrionibacter intestinalis BIT-L3T, which were isolated previously from Tenebrio molitor L., a plastic-eating mealworm. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization, orthologous average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity values between strain CA-0114T and the closest related members within the Enterobacteriaceae were ≤23.1, 75.45 and 76.04 %, respectively. The complete genome of strain CA-0114T was 4 451669 bp with a G+C content of 52.12 mol%. Notably, the apparent inability of strain CA-0114T to ferment d-glucose, inositol and l-rhamnose in the API 20E system is unique among closely related members of the Enterobacteriaceae. Based on the results obtained through genotypic and phenotypic analysis, we propose that strain CA-0114T represents a novel species and genus within the family Enterobacteriaceae, for which we propose the name Apirhabdus apintestini gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain CA-0114T=ATCC TSD-396T=DSM 116385T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Quinn
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Brendan A Daisley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sarah J Vancuren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Amira Bouchema
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elina Niño
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Gregor Reid
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Graham J Thompson
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Emma Allen-Vercoe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Aguado-López D, Urbieta Magro A, Higes M, Rodríguez JM, Martín-Hernández R. Influence of Age of Infection on the Gut Microbiota in Worker Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera iberiensis) Experimentally Infected with Nosema ceranae. Microorganisms 2024; 12:635. [PMID: 38674580 PMCID: PMC11051791 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota of honey bees has received increasing interest in the past decades due to its crucial role in their health, and can be disrupted by pathogen infection. Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite that affects the epithelial cells of the midgut, altering gut homeostasis and representing a major threat to honey bees. Previous studies indicated that younger worker bees are more susceptible to experimental infection by this parasite, although the impact of infection and of age on the gut bacterial communities remains unclear. To address this, honey bees were experimentally infected with a consistent number of N. ceranae spores at various ages post-emergence (p.e.) and the gut bacteria 7 days post-infection (p.i.) were analysed using real-time quantitative PCR, with the results compared to non-infected controls. Infected bees had a significantly higher proportion and load of Gilliamella apicola. In respect to the age of infection, the bees infected just after emergence had elevated loads of G. apicola, Bifidobacterium asteroides, Bombilactobacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Bartonella apis, and Bombella apis. Moreover, the G. apicola load was higher in bees infected at nearly all ages, whereas older non-infected bees had higher loads of Bifidobacterium asteroides, Bombilactobacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Ba. apis, and Bo apis. These findings suggest that N. ceranae infection and, in particular, the age of bees at infection modulate the gut bacterial community, with G. apicola being the most severely affected species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Aguado-López
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (A.U.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Almudena Urbieta Magro
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (A.U.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (A.U.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Juan Miguel Rodríguez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (A.U.M.); (M.H.)
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9
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Papp M, Tóth AG, Békési L, Farkas R, Makrai L, Maróti G, Solymosi N. Apis mellifera filamentous virus from a honey bee gut microbiome survey in Hungary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5803. [PMID: 38461199 PMCID: PMC10924886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In Hungary, as part of a nationwide, climatically balanced survey for a next-generation sequencing-based study of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) gut microbiome, repeated sampling was carried out during the honey production season (March and May 2019). Among other findings, the presence of Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) was detected in all samples, some at very high levels. AmFV-derived reads were more abundant in the March samples than in the May samples. In March, a higher abundance of AmFV-originated reads was identified in samples collected from warmer areas compared to those collected from cooler areas. A lower proportion of AmFV-derived reads were identified in samples collected in March from the wetter areas than those collected from the drier areas. AmFV-read abundance in samples collected in May showed no significant differences between groups based on either environmental temperature or precipitation. The AmFV abundance correlated negatively with Bartonella apihabitans, Bartonella choladocola, and positively with Frischella perrara, Gilliamella apicola, Gilliamella sp. ESL0443, Lactobacillus apis, Lactobacillus kullabergensis, Lactobacillus sp. IBH004. De novo metagenome assembly of four samples resulted in almost the complete AmFV genome. According to phylogenetic analysis based on DNA polymerase, the Hungarian strains are closest to the strain CH-05 isolated in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márton Papp
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Gréta Tóth
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - László Békési
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | | | - Gergely Maróti
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, HUN-REN, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Faculty of Water Sciences, University of Public Service, Baja, 6500, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, 1078, Hungary.
- Department of Phyisics of Complex Systems, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
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10
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Conradie TA, Lawson K, Allsopp M, Jacobs K. Exploring the impact of fungicide exposure and nutritional stress on the microbiota and immune response of the Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis). Microbiol Res 2024; 280:127587. [PMID: 38142516 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) harbour a stable core microbial community within their gut, that is suggested to play a role in metabolic functioning, immune regulation, and host homeostasis. This microbiota presents a unique opportunity to observe the effects of stressors on honey bee health. We examined the effects of two common honey bee stressors: indirect fungicide contamination and nutrient limitation. These effects were observed through changes in their hind- and midgut microbiota using Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (ARISA), alongside high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Expression of the honey bees' immune response was examined through the expression of three immune-related genes, namely, immune deficiency (imd), proPhenolOxidase (proPO), and spaetzle (spz). Additionally, longevity of the honey bees was monitored through observation of the expression levels of Vitellogenin (Vg). Both treatment groups were compared to a negative control, and a diseased positive control. There was no effect on the hindgut microbiota due to the stressors, while significant changes in the midgut was observed. This was also observed in the expression of the immune-related genes within the treatment groups. The Imd pathway was substantially downregulated, with upregulation in the prophenoloxidase pathway. However, no significant effect was observed in the expression of spz, and only the pollen treatment group showed reduced longevity through a downregulation of Vg. Overall, the effect of these two common stressors indicate a compromise in honey bee immunity, and potential vulnerabilities within the immune defence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tersia A Conradie
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Kayla Lawson
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Mike Allsopp
- Agricultural Research Council - Plant, Health & Protection, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Karin Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
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11
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Motta EVS, Moran NA. The honeybee microbiota and its impact on health and disease. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:122-137. [PMID: 38049554 PMCID: PMC10998682 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are key pollinators that support global agriculture and are long-established models for developmental and behavioural research. Recently, they have emerged as models for studying gut microbial communities. Earlier research established that hindguts of adult worker bees harbour a conserved set of host-restricted bacterial species, each showing extensive strain variation. These bacteria can be cultured axenically and introduced to gnotobiotic hosts, and some have basic genetic tools available. In this Review, we explore the most recent research showing how the microbiota establishes itself in the gut and impacts bee biology and health. Microbiota members occupy specific niches within the gut where they interact with each other and the host. They engage in cross-feeding and antagonistic interactions, which likely contribute to the stability of the community and prevent pathogen invasion. An intact gut microbiota provides protection against diverse pathogens and parasites and contributes to the processing of refractory components of the pollen coat and dietary toxins. Absence or disruption of the microbiota results in altered expression of genes that underlie immunity, metabolism, behaviour and development. In the field, such disruption by agrochemicals may negatively impact bees. These findings demonstrate a key developmental and protective role of the microbiota, with broad implications for bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick V S Motta
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA.
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12
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Chavarría-Pizarro L, Núñez-Montero K, Gutiérrez-Araya M, Watson-Guido W, Rivera-Méndez W, Pizarro-Cerdá J. Novel strains of Actinobacteria associated with neotropical social wasps (Vespidae; Polistinae, Epiponini) with antimicrobial potential for natural product discovery. FEMS MICROBES 2024; 5:xtae005. [PMID: 38476864 PMCID: PMC10929769 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has been considered a public health threat. The World Health Organization has warned about the urgency of detecting new antibiotics from novel sources. Social insects could be crucial in the search for new antibiotic metabolites, as some of them survive in places that favor parasite development. Recent studies have shown the potential of social insects to produce antimicrobial metabolites (e.g. ants, bees, and termites). However, most groups of social wasps remain unstudied. Here, we explored whether Actinobacteria are associated with workers in the Neotropical Social Wasps (Epiponini) of Costa Rica and evaluated their putative inhibitory activity against other bacteria. Most isolated strains (67%) have antagonistic effects, mainly against Bacillus thuringensis and Escherichia coli ATCC 25992. Based on genome analysis, some inhibitory Actinobacteria showed biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) related to the production of antimicrobial molecules such as Selvamycin, Piericidin A1, and Nystatin. The Actinobacteria could be associated with social wasps to produce antimicrobial compounds. For these reasons, we speculate that Actinobacteria associated with social wasps could be a novel source of antimicrobial compounds, mainly against Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chavarría-Pizarro
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Biología-Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Calle 15, Avenida 14, 159-7050 Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Kattia Núñez-Montero
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Biología-Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Calle 15, Avenida 14, 159-7050 Cartago, Costa Rica
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Avenida Alemania 1090, 4810101 Temuco, Chile
| | - Mariela Gutiérrez-Araya
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Biología-Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Calle 15, Avenida 14, 159-7050 Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - William Watson-Guido
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Biología-Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Calle 15, Avenida 14, 159-7050 Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - William Rivera-Méndez
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Biología-Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Calle 15, Avenida 14, 159-7050 Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Javier Pizarro-Cerdá
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Yersinia Research Unit - Institut Pasteur 28, rue du Docteur Roux - 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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13
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Nguyen JB, Marshall CW, Cook CN. The buzz within: the role of the gut microbiome in honeybee social behavior. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246400. [PMID: 38344873 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Gut symbionts influence the physiology and behavior of their host, but the extent to which these effects scale to social behaviors is an emerging area of research. The use of the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) as a model enables researchers to investigate the gut microbiome and behavior at several levels of social organization. Insight into gut microbial effects at the societal level is critical for our understanding of how involved microbial symbionts are in host biology. In this Commentary, we discuss recent findings in honeybee gut microbiome research and synthesize these with knowledge of the physiology and behavior of other model organisms to hypothesize how host-microbe interactions at the individual level could shape societal dynamics and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - C W Marshall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - C N Cook
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
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14
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Gouda MNR, Subramanian S, Kumar A, Ramakrishnan B. Microbial ensemble in the hives: deciphering the intricate gut ecosystem of hive and forager bees of Apis mellifera. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:262. [PMID: 38302671 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09239-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiome of honey bees significantly influences vital traits and metabolic processes, including digestion, detoxification, nutrient provision, development, and immunity. However, there is a limited information is available on the gut bacterial diversity of western honey bee populations in India. This study addresses the critical knowledge gap and outcome of which would benefit the beekeepers in India. METHODS AND RESULTS This study investigates the gut bacterial diversity in forager and hive bees of Indian Apis mellifera, employing both culture-based and culture-independent methods. In the culturable study, a distinct difference in gut bacterial alpha and beta diversity between forager and hive bees emerges. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria dominate, with hive bees exhibiting a Firmicutes-rich gut (65%), while foragers showcase a higher proportion of Proteobacteria (37%). Lactobacillus in the hive bee foregut aligns with the findings by other researchers. Bacterial amplicon sequencing analysisreveals a more intricate bacterial composition with 18 identified phyla, expanding our understanding compared to culturable methods. Hive bees exhibit higher community richness and diversity, likely due to diverse diets and increased social interactions. The core microbiota includes Snodgrassella alvi, Gilliamella apicola, and Bombilactobacillus mellis and Lactobacillus helsingborgensis, crucial for digestion, metabolism, and pathogen resistance. The study emphasises bacteria's role in pollen and nectar digestion, with specific groups like Lactobacillus and Bifidobobacterium spp. associated with carbohydrate metabolism and polysaccharide breakdown. These microbes aid in starch and sucrose digestion, releasing beneficial short-chain fatty acids. CONCLUSION This research highlights the intricate relationship between honey bees and their gut microbiota, showcasing how the diverse and complex microbiome helps bees overcome dietary challenges and enhances overall host health. Understanding these interactions contributes to bee ecology knowledge and has implications for honey bee health management, emphasising the need for further exploration and conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Rudra Gouda
- Division of Entomology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Sabtharishi Subramanian
- Division of Entomology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Aundy Kumar
- Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
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15
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Sbaghdi T, Garneau JR, Yersin S, Chaucheyras-Durand F, Bocquet M, Moné A, El Alaoui H, Bulet P, Blot N, Delbac F. The Response of the Honey Bee Gut Microbiota to Nosema ceranae Is Modulated by the Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici and the Neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam. Microorganisms 2024; 12:192. [PMID: 38258019 PMCID: PMC10819737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The honey bee Apis mellifera is exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic stressors, such as the highly prevalent microsporidian parasite Nosema (Vairimorpha) ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides. Both can affect honey bee physiology and microbial gut communities, eventually reducing its lifespan. They can also have a combined effect on the insect's survival. The use of bacterial probiotics has been proposed to improve honey bee health, but their beneficial effect remains an open question. In the present study, western honey bees were experimentally infected with N. ceranae spores, chronically exposed to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, and/or supplied daily with the homofermentative bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M thought to improve the honey bees' tolerance to the parasite. Deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing allowed the response of the gut microbiota to be investigated with a taxonomic resolution at the species level. All treatments induced significant changes in honey bee gut bacterial communities. Nosema ceranae infection increased the abundance of Proteus mirabilis, Frischella perrara, and Gilliamella apicola and reduced the abundance of Bifidobacterium asteroides, Fructobacillus fructosus, and Lactobacillus spp. Supplementation with P. acidilactici overturned some of these alterations, bringing back the abundance of some altered species close to the relative abundance found in the controls. Surprisingly, the exposure to thiamethoxam also restored the relative abundance of some species modulated by N. ceranae. This study shows that stressors and probiotics may have an antagonistic impact on honey bee gut bacterial communities and that P. acidilactici may have a protective effect against the dysbiosis induced by an infection with N. ceranae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thania Sbaghdi
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Julian R. Garneau
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Campus UNIL-Sorge, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.R.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Simon Yersin
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Campus UNIL-Sorge, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.R.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Frédérique Chaucheyras-Durand
- Lallemand SAS, 19 Rue des Briquetiers, BP 59, CEDEX, F-31702 Blagnac, France;
- Microbiologie Environnement Digestif et Santé, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | | | - Anne Moné
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, F-38000 Grenoble, France;
- Platform BioPark Archamps, ArchParc, F-74160 Archamps, France
| | - Nicolas Blot
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
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16
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Dokuta S, Yadoung S, Jeeno P, Hongjaisee S, Khamnoi P, Manochomphu S, Danmek K, Maitip J, Chuttong B, Hongsibsong S. Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms and Antibiotic Resistance Microorganisms from Beehives Located in Palm, Corn and Longan Plantations, Thailand. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2855. [PMID: 38137999 PMCID: PMC10745485 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to determine the prevalence of microorganisms and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in beehives located on different plantations in Thailand. Seventeen swabs immersed in transport media were utilized for samples from different zones within beehives. Traditional microbial culture-based methods, biochemical tests, MALDI-TOF MS (VITEK® MS, bioMerieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), and antibiotic drug susceptibility (disk-diffusion) tests were used to detect microorganism and antimicrobial resistance bacteria. The results from 16 beehive swabs found Gram-positive bacteria at 59.5%, Gram-negative bacteria at 35.1%, and fungi (yeast) at 5.4%. These organisms are classified as 11, 11, and 2 types of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi (yeast), respectively. Furthermore, no organism showed resistance to vancomycin or cefoxitin for antibiotic drug susceptibility testing. In contrast, all Acinetobacter spp. were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, imipenem, and meropenem, except for Acinetobacter schindleri, which was resistant to ceftazidime and cefotaxime. For other organisms, due to the limitations of tests to identify some environmental microbial species, the antimicrobial susceptibility test results cannot be interpreted as resistant or susceptible to the drug for these organisms. The study's findings will support prevention, healthcare services, and public health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirikwan Dokuta
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.D.); (P.J.); (S.H.)
| | - Sumed Yadoung
- Environmental Sciences Program, Faculty of Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Peerapong Jeeno
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.D.); (P.J.); (S.H.)
| | - Sayamon Hongjaisee
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.D.); (P.J.); (S.H.)
| | - Phadungkiat Khamnoi
- Microbiology Unit, Diagnostic Laboratory, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Sirinya Manochomphu
- Microbiology Unit, Diagnostic Laboratory, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Khanchai Danmek
- School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand;
| | - Jakkrawut Maitip
- Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, Rayong Campus, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bankhai 21120, Thailand;
| | - Bajaree Chuttong
- Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.D.); (P.J.); (S.H.)
- Environmental Sciences Program, Faculty of Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and NCD Center of Excellence, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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17
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Thamm M, Reiß F, Sohl L, Gabel M, Noll M, Scheiner R. Solitary Bees Host More Bacteria and Fungi on Their Cuticle than Social Bees. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2780. [PMID: 38004791 PMCID: PMC10673014 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bees come into contact with bacteria and fungi from flowering plants during their foraging trips. The Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) shows a pronounced hygienic behavior with social interactions, while the solitary red mason bee (Osmia bicornis) lacks a social immune system. Since both visit the same floral resources, it is intriguing to speculate that the body surface of a solitary bee should harbor a more complex microbiome than that of the social honeybee. We compared the cuticular microbiomes of A. mellifera (including three European subspecies) and O. bicornis for the first time by bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS gene-based high-throughput amplicon sequencing. The cuticular microbiome of the solitary O. bicornis was significantly more complex than that of the social A. mellifera. The microbiome composition of A. mellifera subspecies was very similar. However, we counted significantly different numbers of fungi and a higher diversity in the honeybee subspecies adapted to warmer climates. Our results suggest that the cuticular microbiome of bees is strongly affected by visited plants, lifestyle and adaptation to temperature, which have important implications for the maintenance of the health of bees under conditions of global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Thamm
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (M.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Fabienne Reiß
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 96450 Coburg, Germany; (F.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Leon Sohl
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 96450 Coburg, Germany; (F.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Martin Gabel
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (M.T.); (M.G.)
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute Kirchhain, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany
| | - Matthias Noll
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 96450 Coburg, Germany; (F.R.); (L.S.)
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ricarda Scheiner
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (M.T.); (M.G.)
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18
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Reiß F, Schuhmann A, Sohl L, Thamm M, Scheiner R, Noll M. Fungicides and insecticides can alter the microbial community on the cuticle of honey bees. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1271498. [PMID: 37965543 PMCID: PMC10642971 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1271498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are crucial for our ecosystems as pollinators, but the intensive use of plant protection products (PPPs) in agriculture poses a risk for them. PPPs do not only affect target organisms but also affect non-targets, such as the honey bee Apis mellifera and their microbiome. This study is the first of its kind, aiming to characterize the effect of PPPs on the microbiome of the cuticle of honey bees. We chose PPPs, which have frequently been detected in bee bread, and studied their effects on the cuticular microbial community and function of the bees. The effects of the fungicide Difcor® (difenoconazole), the insecticide Steward® (indoxacarb), the combination of both (mix A) and the fungicide Cantus® Gold (boscalid and dimoxystrobin), the insecticide Mospilan® (acetamiprid), and the combination of both (mix B) were tested. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal transcribed spacer region gene-based amplicon sequencing and quantification of gene copy numbers were carried out after nucleic acid extraction from the cuticle of honey bees. The treatment with Steward® significantly affected fungal community composition and function. The fungal gene copy numbers were lower on the cuticle of bees treated with Difcor®, Steward®, and PPP mix A in comparison with the controls. However, bacterial and fungal gene copy numbers were increased in bees treated with Cantus® Gold, Mospilan®, or PPP mix B compared to the controls. The bacterial cuticular community composition of bees treated with Cantus® Gold, Mospilan®, and PPP mix B differed significantly from the control. In addition, Mospilan® on its own significantly changed the bacterial functional community composition. Cantus® Gold significantly affected fungal gene copy numbers, community, and functional composition. Our results demonstrate that PPPs show adverse effects on the cuticular microbiome of honey bees and suggest that PPP mixtures can cause stronger effects on the cuticular community than a PPP alone. The cuticular community composition was more diverse after the PPP mix treatments. This may have far-reaching consequences for the health of honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Reiß
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Schuhmann
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leon Sohl
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany
| | - Markus Thamm
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ricarda Scheiner
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Noll
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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19
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Wirta H, Jones M, Peña‐Aguilera P, Chacón‐Duque C, Vesterinen E, Ovaskainen O, Abrego N, Roslin T. The role of seasonality in shaping the interactions of honeybees with other taxa. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10580. [PMID: 37818248 PMCID: PMC10560870 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Eltonian niche of a species is defined as its set of interactions with other taxa. How this set varies with biotic, abiotic and human influences is a core question of modern ecology. In seasonal environments, the realized Eltonian niche is likely to vary due to periodic changes in the occurrence and abundance of interaction partners and changes in species behavior and preferences. Also, human management decisions may leave strong imprints on species interactions. To compare the impact of seasonality to that of management effects, honeybees provide an excellent model system. Based on DNA traces of interaction partners archived in honey, we can infer honeybee interactions with floral resources and microbes in the surrounding habitats, their hives, and themselves. Here, we resolved seasonal and management-based impacts on honeybee interactions by sampling beehives repeatedly during the honey-storing period of honeybees in Finland. We then use a genome-skimming approach to identify the taxonomic contents of the DNA in the samples. To compare the effects of the season to the effects of location, management, and the colony itself in shaping honeybee interactions, we used joint species distribution modeling. We found that honeybee interactions with other taxa varied greatly among taxonomic and functional groups. Against a backdrop of wide variation in the interactions documented in the DNA content of honey from bees from different hives, regions, and beekeepers, the imprint of the season remained relatively small. Overall, a honey-based approach offers unique insights into seasonal variation in the identity and abundance of interaction partners among honeybees. During the summer, the availability and use of different interaction partners changed substantially, but hive- and taxon-specific patterns were largely idiosyncratic as modified by hive management. Thus, the beekeeper and colony identity are as important determinants of the honeybee's realized Eltonian niche as is seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Wirta
- Department of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Mirkka Jones
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Helsinki Institute of Life ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Pablo Peña‐Aguilera
- Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - Camilo Chacón‐Duque
- Centre for PalaeogeneticsStockholmSweden
- Department of Archaeology and Classical StudiesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | | | - Otso Ovaskainen
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Nerea Abrego
- Department of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
| | - Tomas Roslin
- Department of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
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20
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Lazarova S, Lozanova L, Neov B, Shumkova R, Balkanska R, Palova N, Salkova D, Radoslavov G, Hristov P. Composition and diversity of bacterial communities associated with honey bee foragers from two contrasting environments. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:693-702. [PMID: 37545319 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The honey bee is associated with a diverse community of microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists), commonly known as the microbiome. Here, we present data on honey bee microbiota from two localities having different surrounding landscapes - mountain (the Rhodope Mountains) and lowland (the Danube plain). The bacterial communities of abdomen of adult bees were studied using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The composition and dominance structure and their variability within and between localities, alpha and beta diversity, and core and differential taxa were compared at different hierarchical levels (operational taxonomic units to phylum). Seven genera (Lactobacillus, Gilliamella, Bifidobacterium, Commensalibacter, Bartonella, Snodgrassella, and Frischella), known to include core gut-associated phylotypes or species clusters, dominated (92-100%) the bacterial assemblages. Significant variations were found in taxa distribution across both geographical regions and within each apiary. Lactobacillus (Firmicutes) prevailed significantly in the mountain locality followed by Gilliamella and Bartonella (Proteobacteria). Bacteria of four genera, core (Bartonella and Lactobacillus) and non-core (Pseudomonas and Morganella), dominated the bee-associated assemblages of the Danube plain locality. Several ubiquitous bacterial genera (e.g., Klebsiella, Serratia, and Providencia), some species known also as potential and opportunistic bee pathogens, had been found in the lowland locality. Beta diversity analyses confirmed the observed differences in the bacterial communities from both localities. The occurrence of non-core taxa contributes substantially to higher microbial richness and diversity in bees from the Danube plain locality. We assume that the observed differences in the microbiota of honey bees from both apiaries are due to a combination of factors specific for each region. The surrounding landscape features of both localities and related vegetation, anthropogenic impact and land use intensity, the beekeeping management practices, and bee health status might all contribute to observed differences in bee microbiota traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stela Lazarova
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lyudmila Lozanova
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Environmental Risk Assessment and Conservation Biology, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Boyko Neov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rositsa Shumkova
- Research Centre of Stockbreeding and Agriculture, Agricultural Academy, 4700 Smolyan, Bulgaria
| | - Ralitsa Balkanska
- Department 'Special Branches', Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Academy, 2230 Kostinbrod, Bulgaria
| | - Nadezhda Palova
- Scientific Center of Agriculture, Agricultural Academy, Sredets 8300, Bulgaria
| | - Delka Salkova
- Department of Experimental Parasitology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Radoslavov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Peter Hristov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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21
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Liu Y, Liu J, Zhang X, Yun Y. Diversity of Bacteria Associated with Guts and Gonads in Three Spider Species and Potential Transmission Pathways of Microbes within the Same Spider Host. INSECTS 2023; 14:792. [PMID: 37887804 PMCID: PMC10607309 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Microbial symbiosis plays a crucial role in the ecological and evolutionary processes of animals. It is well known that spiders, with their unique and diverse predatory adaptations, assume an indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance and the food chain. However, our current understanding of spider microbiomes remains relatively limited. The gut microbiota and gonad microbiota of spiders can both potentially influence their physiology, ecology, and behavior, including aspects such as digestion, immunity, reproductive health, and reproductive behavior. In the current study, based on high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3 and V4 regions, we detected the gut and gonad microbiota communities of three spider species captured from the same habitat, namely, Eriovixia cavaleriei, Larinioides cornutus, and Pardosa pseudoannulata. In these three species, we observed that, at the phylum level classification, the gut and gonad of E. cavaleriei are primarily composed of Proteobacteria, while those of L. cornutus and P. pseudoannulata are primarily composed of Firmicutes. At the genus level of classification, we identified 372 and 360 genera from the gut and gonad bacterial communities. It is noteworthy that the gut and gonad bacterial flora of E. cavaleriei and L. cornutus were dominated by Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. Results show that there were no differences in microbial communities between females and males of the same spider species. Furthermore, there is similarity between the gut and ovary microbial communities of female spiders, implying a potential avenue for microbial transmission between the gut and gonad within female spiders. By comprehensively studying these two microbial communities, we can establish the theoretical foundation for exploring the relationship between gut and gonad microbiota and their host, as well as the mechanisms through which microbes exert their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Xiaopan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yueli Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Centre for Behavioral Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
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22
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Li WL, Huang Q, Li JL, Wu P, Wei B, Li XJ, Tang QH, Dong ZX, Xiong J, Tang H, Zhang J, Zhao CH, Cao Z, Chen Y, Zhao WZ, Wang K, Guo J. Gut microbiota-driven regulation of queen bee ovarian metabolism. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0214523. [PMID: 37750696 PMCID: PMC10581225 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02145-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
With the global prevalence of Varroa mites, more and more beekeepers resort to confining the queen bee in a queen cage to control mite infestation or to breed superior and robust queen bees. However, the impact of such practices on the queen bee remains largely unknown. Therefore, we subjected the queen bees to a 21-day egg-laying restriction treatment (from the egg stage to the emergence of adult worker bees) and analyzed the queen bees' ovarian metabolites and gut microbiota after 21 days, aiming to assess the queen bees' quality and assist beekeepers in better hive management. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in the relative expression levels of Vg and Hex110 genes in the ovaries of egg laying-restricted queen bees compared to unrestricted egg-laying queens. The diversity of gut microbiota in the queen bee exhibited a notable decrease, accompanied by corresponding changes in the core bacteria of the microbial community, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium increased from 22.34% to 53.14% (P = 0.01) and from 0.053% to 0.580% (P = 0.04), respectively. The relative abundance of Bombella decreased from 25.85% to 1.720% (P = 0.002). Following egg-laying restriction, the activity of the queen bee's ovaries decreased, while the metabolism of glycerophospholipids remained or stored more lipid molecules, awaiting environmental changes for the queen bee to resume egg laying promptly. Furthermore, we observed that Bombella in the queen bee's gut may regulate the queen's ovarian metabolism through tryptophan metabolism. These findings provide novel insights into the interplay among queen egg laying, gut microbiota, and ovarian metabolism. IMPORTANCE With Varroa mite infestation, beekeepers often confine the queen bee in cages for control or breeding. However, the impact on the queen bee is largely unknown. We evaluated queen bee quality by restricting egg laying and analyzing ovarian metabolites and gut microbiota. In this study, we provided a comprehensive explanation of the expression of ovarian genes, the diversity of gut microbiota, and changes in ovarian metabolism in the queen bee. Through integrated analysis of the queen bee's gut microbiota and ovarian metabolism, we discovered that the gut microbiota can regulate the queen bee's ovarian metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights into the interplay among egg laying, gut microbiota, and the reproductive health of the queen bee. Understanding these relationships can contribute to the development of better strategies for Varroa mite control and queen bee breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Li Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Jia-Li Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Nanchuan District Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Bangrong Wei
- Chongqing Nanchuan District Livestock, Veterinary and Fishery Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi-Jie Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Qi-He Tang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Dong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Jian Xiong
- Yunnan Zhongfeng Technology Development Co. Ltd., Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Chongqing Nanchuan Bee Breeding Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Chong-Hui Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Zhe Cao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Pujia Life Technology (Fuzhou) Co., LTD, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-zheng Zhao
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Heilongtan, North Suburb, China
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan province, China
- Yunnan Zhongfeng Technology Development Co. Ltd., Kunming, Yunnan, China
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23
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Fernandes KE, Stanfield B, Frost EA, Shanahan ER, Susantio D, Dong AZ, Tran TD, Cokcetin NN, Carter DA. Low Levels of Hive Stress Are Associated with Decreased Honey Activity and Changes to the Gut Microbiome of Resident Honey Bees. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0074223. [PMID: 37289060 PMCID: PMC10434159 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00742-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) face increasing threats to their health, particularly from the degradation of floral resources and chronic pesticide exposure. The properties of honey and the bee gut microbiome are known to both affect and be affected by bee health. Using samples from healthy hives and hives showing signs of stress from a single apiary with access to the same floral resources, we profiled the antimicrobial activity and chemical properties of honey and determined the bacterial and fungal microbiome of the bee gut and the hive environment. We found honey from healthy hives was significantly more active than honey from stressed hives, with increased phenolics and antioxidant content linked to higher antimicrobial activity. The bacterial microbiome was more diverse in stressed hives, suggesting they may have less capacity to exclude potential pathogens. Finally, bees from healthy and stressed hives had significant differences in core and opportunistically pathogenic taxa in gut samples. Our results emphasize the need for understanding and proactively managing bee health. IMPORTANCE Honey bees serve as pollinators for many plants and crops worldwide and produce valuable hive products such as honey and wax. Various sources of stress can disrupt honey bee colonies, affecting their health and productivity. Growing evidence suggests that honey is vitally important to hive functioning and overall health. In this study, we determined the antimicrobial activity and chemical properties of honey from healthy hives and hives showing signs of stress, finding that honey from healthy hives was significantly more antimicrobial, with increased phenolics and antioxidant content. We next profiled the bacterial and fungal microbiome of the bee gut and the hive environment, finding significant differences between healthy and stressed hives. Our results underscore the need for greater understanding in this area, as we found even apparently minor stress can have implications for overall hive fitness as well as the economic potential of hive products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya E Fernandes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bridie Stanfield
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Frost
- ABGU, A Joint Venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Paterson, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erin R Shanahan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Susantio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Z Dong
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Trong D Tran
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nural N Cokcetin
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee A Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Meradji M, Bachtarzi N, Mora D, Kharroub K. Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Isolated from Algerian Honeybee and Honey and Exploration of Their Potential Probiotic and Functional Features for Human Use. Foods 2023; 12:2312. [PMID: 37372522 DOI: 10.3390/foods12122312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Using culture enrichment methods, 100 strains of bacilli of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from honeybee Apis mellifera intermissa and fresh honey, collected from apiaries located in the north-east of Algeria. Amongst all of the isolated LAB, 19 selected strains were closely affiliated to four species-Fructobacillus fructosus (10), Apilactobacillus kunkeei (5), Lactobacillus kimbladii and/or Lactobacillus kullabergensis (4)-using phylogenetic and phenotypic approaches. The in vitro probiotic characteristics (simulated gastrointestinal fluids tolerance, autoaggregation and hydrophobicity abilities, antimicrobial activity and cholesterol reduction) and safety properties (hemolytic activity, antibiotic resistance and absence of biogenic amines) were evaluated. The results indicated that some strains showed promising potential probiotic properties. In addition, neither hemolytic activity nor biogenic amines were produced. The carbohydrate fermentation test (API 50 CHL) revealed that the strains could efficiently use a broad range of carbohydrates; additionally, four strains belonging to Apilactobacillus kunkeei and Fructobacillus fructosus were found to be exopolysaccharides (EPS) producers. This study demonstrates the honeybee Apis mellifera intermissa and one of her products as a reservoir for novel LAB with potential probiotic features, suggesting suitability for promoting host health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Meradji
- Laboratoire de Recherche Biotechnologie et Qualité des Aliments (BIOQUAL), Institut de la Nutrition, de l'Alimentation et des Technologies Agro-Alimentaires (INATAA), Université Frères Mentouri Constantine 1 (UFMC1), Route de Ain El Bey, Constantine 25000, Algeria
| | - Nadia Bachtarzi
- Laboratoire de Recherche Biotechnologie et Qualité des Aliments (BIOQUAL), Institut de la Nutrition, de l'Alimentation et des Technologies Agro-Alimentaires (INATAA), Université Frères Mentouri Constantine 1 (UFMC1), Route de Ain El Bey, Constantine 25000, Algeria
| | - Diego Mora
- Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Karima Kharroub
- Laboratoire de Recherche Biotechnologie et Qualité des Aliments (BIOQUAL), Institut de la Nutrition, de l'Alimentation et des Technologies Agro-Alimentaires (INATAA), Université Frères Mentouri Constantine 1 (UFMC1), Route de Ain El Bey, Constantine 25000, Algeria
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25
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Kim DY, Maeng S, Cho SJ, Park HJ, Kim K, Lee JK, Srinivasan S. The Ascosphaera apis Infection (Chalkbrood Disease) Alters the Gut Bacteriome Composition of the Honeybee. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050734. [PMID: 37242403 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The declining honeybee populations are a significant risk to the productivity and security of agriculture worldwide. Although there are many causes of these declines, parasites are a significant one. Disease glitches in honeybees have been identified in recent years and increasing attention has been paid to addressing the issue. Between 30% and 40% of all managed honeybee colonies in the USA have perished annually over the past few years. American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) have been reported as bacterial diseases, Nosema as a protozoan disease, and Chalkbrood and Stonebrood as fungal diseases. The study aims to compare the bacterial community related to the Nosema ceranae and Ascosphaera apis infection on the gut of the honeybee and compare it with the weakly active honeybees. The Nosema-infected honeybees contain the phyla Proteobacteria as the significantly dominant bacterial phyla, similar to the weakly active honeybees. In contrast, the Ascosphaera (Chalkbrood) infected honeybee contains large amounts of Firmicutes rather than Proteobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Yoon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Maeng
- Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women's University, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Jin Park
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsu Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kwon Lee
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathiyaraj Srinivasan
- Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women's University, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
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Kardas E, González-Rosario AM, Giray T, Ackerman JD, Godoy-Vitorino F. Gut microbiota variation of a tropical oil-collecting bee species far exceeds that of the honeybee. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1122489. [PMID: 37266018 PMCID: PMC10229882 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1122489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interest for bee microbiota has recently been rising, alleviating the gap in knowledge in regard to drivers of solitary bee gut microbiota. However, no study has addressed the microbial acquisition routes of tropical solitary bees. For both social and solitary bees, the gut microbiota has several essential roles such as food processing and immune responses. While social bees such as honeybees maintain a constant gut microbiota by direct transmission from individuals of the same hive, solitary bees do not have direct contact between generations. They thus acquire their gut microbiota from the environment and/or the provision of their brood cell. To establish the role of life history in structuring the gut microbiota of solitary bees, we characterized the gut microbiota of Centris decolorata from a beach population in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Females provide the initial brood cell provision for the larvae, while males patrol the nest without any contact with it. We hypothesized that this behavior influences their gut microbiota, and that the origin of larval microbiota is from brood cell provisions. Methods We collected samples from adult females and males of C. decolorata (n = 10 each, n = 20), larvae (n = 4), and brood cell provisions (n = 10). For comparison purposes, we also sampled co-occurring female foragers of social Apis mellifera (n = 6). The samples were dissected, their DNA extracted, and gut microbiota sequenced using 16S rRNA genes. Pollen loads of A. mellifera and C. decolorata were analyzed and interactions between bee species and their plant resources were visualized using a pollination network. Results While we found the gut of A. mellifera contained the same phylotypes previously reported in the literature, we noted that the variability in the gut microbiota of solitary C. decolorata was significantly higher than that of social A. mellifera. Furthermore, the microbiota of adult C. decolorata mostly consisted of acetic acid bacteria whereas that of A. mellifera mostly had lactic acid bacteria. Among C. decolorata, we found significant differences in alpha and beta diversity between adults and their brood cell provisions (Shannon and Chao1 p < 0.05), due to the higher abundance of families such as Rhizobiaceae and Chitinophagaceae in the brood cells, and of Acetobacteraceae in adults. In addition, the pollination network analysis indicated that A. mellifera had a stronger interaction with Byrsonima sp. and a weaker interaction with Combretaceae while interactions between C. decolorata and its plant resources were constant with the null model. Conclusion Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that behavioral differences in brood provisioning between solitary and social bees is a factor leading to relatively high variation in the microbiota of the solitary bee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kardas
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
| | | | - Tugrul Giray
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - James D. Ackerman
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Filipa Godoy-Vitorino
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
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27
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Balbuena S, Castelli L, Zunino P, Antúnez K. Effect of Chronic Exposure to Sublethal Doses of Imidacloprid and Nosema ceranae on Immunity, Gut Microbiota, and Survival of Africanized Honey Bees. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1485-1497. [PMID: 35460373 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale honey bee colony losses reported around the world have been associated with intoxication with pesticides, as with the presence of pests and pathogens. Among pesticides, neonicotinoid insecticides are the biggest threat. Due to their extensive use, they can be found in all agricultural environments, including soil, water, and air, are persistent in the environment, and are highly toxic for honey bees. In addition, infection by different pests and pathogens can act synergistically, weakening bees. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to sublethal doses of imidacloprid alone or combined with the microsporidia Nosema ceranae on the immune response, deformed wing virus infection (DWV), gut microbiota, and survival of Africanized honey bees. We found that imidacloprid affected the expression of some genes associated with immunity generating an altered physiological state, although it did not favor DWV or N. ceranae infection. The pesticide alone did not affect honey bee gut microbiota, as previously suggested, but when administered to N. ceranae infected bees, it generated significant changes. Finally, both stress factors caused high mortality rates. Those results illustrate the negative impact of imidacloprid alone or combined with N. ceranae on Africanized honey bees and are useful to understand colony losses in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Balbuena
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Y Salud de Las Abejas, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia, 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Loreley Castelli
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Y Salud de Las Abejas, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia, 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Zunino
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Y Salud de Las Abejas, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia, 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Karina Antúnez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Y Salud de Las Abejas, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia, 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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28
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Anderson KE, Ricigliano VA, Copeland DC, Mott BM, Maes P. Social Interaction is Unnecessary for Hindgut Microbiome Transmission in Honey Bees: The Effect of Diet and Social Exposure on Tissue-Specific Microbiome Assembly. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1498-1513. [PMID: 35499645 PMCID: PMC10167169 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees are a model for host-microbial interactions with experimental designs evolving towards conventionalized worker bees. Research on gut microbiome transmission and assembly has examined only a fraction of factors associated with the colony and hive environment. Here, we studied the effects of diet and social isolation on tissue-specific bacterial and fungal colonization of the midgut and two key hindgut regions. We found that both treatment factors significantly influenced early hindgut colonization explaining similar proportions of microbiome variation. In agreement with previous work, social interaction with older workers was unnecessary for core hindgut bacterial transmission. Exposure to natural eclosion and fresh stored pollen resulted in gut bacterial communities that were taxonomically and structurally equivalent to those produced in the natural colony setting. Stressed diets of no pollen or autoclaved pollen in social isolation resulted in decreased fungal abundance and bacterial diversity, and atypical microbiome structure and tissue-specific variation of functionally important core bacteria. Without exposure to the active hive environment, the abundance and strain diversity of keystone ileum species Gilliamella apicola was markedly reduced. These changes were associated with significantly larger ileum microbiotas suggesting that extended exposure to the active hive environment plays an antibiotic role in hindgut microbiome establishment. We conclude that core hindgut microbiome transmission is facultative horizontal with 5 of 6 core hindgut species readily acquired from the built hive structure and natural diet. Our findings contribute novel insights into factors influencing assembly and maintenance of honey bee gut microbiota and facilitate future experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk E Anderson
- ARS-USDA Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA.
| | - Vincent A Ricigliano
- ARS-USDA Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
- ARS-USDA Honey Bee Breeding Genetics and Physiology Research, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820, USA
| | - Duan C Copeland
- Department of Microbiology, School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Brendon M Mott
- ARS-USDA Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
| | - Patrick Maes
- Department of Entomology and Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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29
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Pérez Matos AE, Bacci G, Borruso L, Landolfi M, Petrocchi D, Renzi S, Perito B. Characterization of the Bacterial Communities Inhabiting Tropical Propolis of Puerto Rico. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1130. [PMID: 37317104 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Propolis is a resinous material produced by honeybees from different plant sources and used in the hive as a building material and to protect the colony from parasites and pathogens. Despite its antimicrobial properties, recent studies showed that propolis hosts diverse microbial strains, some with great antimicrobial potential. In this study, the first description of the bacterial community of propolis produced by the gentle Africanized honeybee was reported. Propolis was sampled from hives of two different geographic areas of Puerto Rico (PR, USA), and the associated microbiota investigated by both cultivation and metataxonomic approaches. Metabarcoding analysis showed appreciable bacterial diversity in both areas and statistically significant dissimilarity in the taxa composition of the two areas, probably due to the different climatic conditions. Both metabarcoding and cultivation data revealed the presence of taxa already detected in other hive components and compatible with the bee's foraging environment. Isolated bacteria and propolis extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial tester strains. These results support the hypothesis that the propolis microbiota could contribute to propolis' antimicrobial properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana E Pérez Matos
- Biotechnology and Agrobiotechnology Research and Learning Center, Department of Natural Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce 00717, Puerto Rico
| | - Giovanni Bacci
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Luigimaria Borruso
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen/Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Maria Landolfi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen/Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Dominique Petrocchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Scientific Laboratory of Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Viale F. Strozzi 1, 50129 Firenze, Italy
| | - Sonia Renzi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Brunella Perito
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
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30
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Sinpoo C, In-on A, Noirungsee N, Attasopa K, Chantawannakul P, Chaimanee V, Phokasem P, Ling TC, Purahong W, Disayathanoowat T. Microbial community profiling and culturing reveal functional groups of bacteria associated with Thai commercial stingless worker bees (Tetragonula pagdeni). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280075. [PMID: 36857385 PMCID: PMC9977063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stingless bees play a crucial role in the environment and agriculture as they are effective pollinators. Furthermore, they can produce various products that can be exploited economically, such as propolis and honey. Despite their economic value, the knowledge of microbial community of stingless bees, and their roles on the bees' health, especially in Thailand, are in its infancy. This study aimed to investigate the composition and the functions of bacterial community associated with Tetragonula pagdeni stingless bees using culture-independent and culture-dependent approaches with emphasis on lactic acid bacteria. The culture-independent results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The most abundant families were Lactobacillaceae and Halomonadaceae. Functional prediction indicated that the prevalent functions of bacterial communities were chemoheterotrophy and fermentation. In addition, the bacterial community might be able to biosynthesize amino acid and antimicrobial compounds. Further isolation and characterization resulted in isolates that belonged to the dominant taxa of the community and possessed potentially beneficial metabolic activity. This suggested that they are parts of the nutrient acquisition and host defense bacterial functional groups in Thai commercial stingless bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chainarong Sinpoo
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ammarin In-on
- Bioinformatics & Systems Biology Program, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (Bang Khun Thian Campus), Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttapol Noirungsee
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Korrawat Attasopa
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Veeranan Chaimanee
- Department of Agro-Industrial Biotechnology, Maejo University Phrae Campus, Rong Kwang, Phrae, Thailand
| | - Patcharin Phokasem
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Tial Cung Ling
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Witoon Purahong
- Department of Soil Ecology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Halle (Saale), Germany
- * E-mail: (WP); (TD)
| | - Terd Disayathanoowat
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- * E-mail: (WP); (TD)
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31
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Almeida EL, Ribiere C, Frei W, Kenny D, Coffey MF, O'Toole PW. Geographical and Seasonal Analysis of the Honeybee Microbiome. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:765-778. [PMID: 35284961 PMCID: PMC9957864 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01986-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously showed that colonies of thriving and non-thriving honeybees co-located in a single geographically isolated apiary harboured strikingly different microbiomes when sampled at a single time point in the honey season. Here, we profiled the microbiome in returning forager bees from 10 to 12 hives in each of 6 apiaries across the southern half of Ireland, at early, middle, and late time points in the 2019 honey production season. Despite the wide range of geographical locations and forage available, apiary site was not the strongest determinant of the honeybee microbiome. However, there was clear clustering of the honeybee microbiome by time point across all apiaries, independent of which apiary was sampled. The clustering of microbiome by time was weaker although still significant in three of the apiaries, which may be connected to their geographic location and other external factors. The potential forage effect was strongest at the second timepoint (June-July) when the apiaries also displayed greatest difference in microbiome diversity. We identified bacteria in the forager bee microbiome that correlated with hive health as measured by counts of larvae, bees, and honey production. These findings support the hypothesis that the global honeybee microbiome and its constituent species support thriving hives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo L Almeida
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, T12 K8AF, Ireland
| | - Celine Ribiere
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, T12 K8AF, Ireland
| | - Werner Frei
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, T12 K8AF, Ireland
| | - Denis Kenny
- Keeling's Farm, Food Central, St. Margaret's, Co. Dublin, K67 YC83, Ireland
| | - Mary F Coffey
- Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 X3PH, Ireland
| | - Paul W O'Toole
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, T12 K8AF, Ireland.
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32
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Oliphant SA, Watson-Haigh NS, Sumby KM, Gardner JM, Jiranek V. Fructilactobacillus cliffordii sp. nov. , Fructilactobacillus hinvesii sp. nov., Fructilactobacillus myrtifloralis sp. nov., Fructilactobacillus carniphilus sp. nov. and Fructobacillus americanaquae sp. nov., five novel lactic acid bacteria isolated from insects or flowers of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 36795096 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Six strains, KI11_D11T, KI4_B1, KI11_C11T, KI16_H9T, KI4_A6T and KI3_B9T, were isolated from insects and flowers on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, strains KI11_D11T, KI4_B1, KI11_C11T, KI16_H9T, KI4_A6T were found to be closely related to Fructilactobacillus ixorae Ru20-1T. Due to the lack of a whole genome sequence for this species, whole genome sequencing of Fructilactobacillus ixorae Ru20-1T was undertaken. KI3_B9T was found to be closely related to Fructobacillus tropaeoli F214-1T. Utilizing core gene phylogenetics and whole genome analyses, such as determination of AAI, ANI and dDDH, we propose that these six isolates represent five novel species with the names Fructilactobacillus cliffordii (KI11_D11T= LMG 32130T = NBRC 114988T), Fructilactobacillus hinvesii (KI11_C11T = LMG 32129T = NBRC 114987T), Fructilactobacillus myrtifloralis (KI16_H9T= LMG 32131T = NBRC 114989T) Fructilactobacillus carniphilus (KI4_A6T = LMG 32127T = NBRC 114985T) and Fructobacillus americanaquae (KI3_B9T = LMG 32124T = NBRC 114983T). Chemotaxonomic analyses detected no fructophilic characters for these strains of member of the genus Fructilactobacillus. KI3_B9T was found to be obligately fructophilic, similarly to its phylogenetic neighbours in the genus Fructobacillus. This study represents the first isolation, to our knowledge, of novel species in the family Lactobacillaceae from the Australian wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Oliphant
- Department of Wine Science, School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Nathan S Watson-Haigh
- South Australian Genomics Centre, SAHMRI, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.,Australian Genome Research Facility, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Krista M Sumby
- Department of Wine Science, School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Gardner
- Department of Wine Science, School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Vladimir Jiranek
- Department of Wine Science, School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
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33
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The promise of probiotics in honeybee health and disease management. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:73. [PMID: 36705763 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decades, losses of bee populations have been observed worldwide. A panoply of biotic and abiotic factors, as well as the interplay among them, has been suggested to be responsible for bee declines, but definitive causes have not yet been identified. Among pollinators, the honeybee Apis mellifera is threatened by various diseases and environmental stresses, which have been shown to impact the insect gut microbiota that is known to be fundamental for host metabolism, development and immunity. Aimed at preserving the gut homeostasis, many researches are currently focusing on improving the honeybee health through the administration of probiotics e.g., by boosting the innate immune response against microbial infections. Here, we review the knowledge available on the characterization of the microbial diversity associated to honeybees and the use of probiotic symbionts as a promising approach to maintain honeybee fitness, sustaining a healthy gut microbiota and enhancing its crucial relationship with the host immune system.
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34
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Xiong ZR, Sogin JH, Worobo RW. Microbiome analysis of raw honey reveals important factors influencing the bacterial and fungal communities. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1099522. [PMID: 36713191 PMCID: PMC9877413 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1099522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Raw honeys contain diverse microbial communities. Previous studies have focused on isolating bacteria and fungi that are culturable, while missing a large proportion of the microbial community due to culture-based constraints. This study utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the composition of microorganisms in raw honey; these data can reveal environmental and physicochemical variables that are associated with different microbial communities. To examine the microbial composition (bacteria and fungi) of raw honey and analyze its association with physicochemical properties, four types of honey (monofloral, wildflower, manuka, and feral; n total = 36) were analyzed via amplicon metagenomics. The analyzed honey samples had relatively similar bacterial communities but more distinct and diverse fungal communities. Honey type was determined as a significant factor influencing alpha and beta diversity metrics of bacterial and fungal communities. For the bacterial communities, titratable acidity (TA) was associated with community richness and diversity. For the fungal communities, Brix, TA, and color were associated with community richness, while water activity and color were associated with community diversity. Additionally, important bacterial and fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that influenced the overall community were identified. Results from this study provide important insights into the microbial communities associated with different types of raw honey, which could improve our understanding of microbial dynamics in beehives, improve honey production, and prevent honeybee disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Ray Xiong
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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35
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Santorelli LA, Wilkinson T, Abdulmalik R, Rai Y, Creevey CJ, Huws S, Gutierrez-Merino J. Beehives possess their own distinct microbiomes. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:1. [PMID: 36624518 PMCID: PMC9830898 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Honeybees use plant material to manufacture their own food. These insect pollinators visit flowers repeatedly to collect nectar and pollen, which are shared with other hive bees to produce honey and beebread. While producing these products, beehives accumulate a considerable number of microbes, including bacteria that derive from plants and different parts of the honeybees' body. Whether bacteria form similar communities amongst beehives, even if located in close proximity, is an ecologically important question that has been addressed in this study. Specific ecological factors such as the surrounding environment and the beekeeping methods used can shape the microbiome of the beehive as a whole, and eventually influence the health of the honeybees and their ecosystem. RESULTS We conducted 16S rRNA meta-taxonomic analysis on honey and beebread samples that were collected from 15 apiaries in the southeast of England to quantify the bacteria associated with different beehives. We observed that honeybee products carry a significant variety of bacterial groups that comprise bee commensals, environmental bacteria and symbionts and pathogens of plants and animals. Remarkably, this bacterial diversity differs not only amongst apiaries, but also between the beehives of the same apiary. In particular, the levels of the bee commensals varied significantly, and their fluctuations correlated with the presence of different environmental bacteria and various apiculture practices. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that every hive possesses their own distinct microbiome and that this very defined fingerprint is affected by multiple factors such as the nectar and pollen gathered from local plants, the management of the apiaries and the bacterial communities living around the beehives. Based on our findings, we suggest that the microbiome of beehives could be used as a valuable biosensor informing of the health of the honeybees and their surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toby Wilkinson
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ronke Abdulmalik
- School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Yuma Rai
- School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Christopher J Creevey
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Sharon Huws
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
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36
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Decker LE, San Juan PA, Warren ML, Duckworth CE, Gao C, Fukami T. Higher Variability in Fungi Compared to Bacteria in the Foraging Honey Bee Gut. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 34997310 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.20.348128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Along with bacteria, fungi can represent a significant component of animal- and plant-associated microbial communities. However, we have only begun to describe these fungi, much less examine their effects on most animals and plants. Bacteria associated with the honey bee, Apis mellifera, have been well characterized across different regions of the gut. The mid- and hindgut of foraging bees house a deterministic set of core species that affect host health, whereas the crop, or the honey stomach, harbors a more diverse set of bacteria that is highly variable in composition among individual bees. Whether this contrast between the two regions of the gut also applies to fungi remains unclear despite their potential influence on host health. In honey bees caught foraging at four sites across the San Francisco Peninsula of California, we found that fungi were less distinct in species composition between the crop and the mid- and hindgut than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, fungi varied substantially in species composition throughout the honey bee gut, and much of this variation could be predicted by the location where we collected the bees. These observations suggest that fungi may be transient passengers and unimportant as gut symbionts. However, our findings also indicate that honey bees could be vectors of infectious plant diseases as many of the fungi we found in the honey bee gut are recognized as plant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie E Decker
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA.
| | - Priscilla A San Juan
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
| | - Magdalena L Warren
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
| | - Cory E Duckworth
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Georgia, 159 Sunset Dr, Health and Natural Sciences Building, Dahlonega, GA, 30597, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Cheng Gao
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 321 Koshland Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tadashi Fukami
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
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37
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Decker LE, San Juan PA, Warren ML, Duckworth CE, Gao C, Fukami T. Higher Variability in Fungi Compared to Bacteria in the Foraging Honey Bee Gut. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:330-334. [PMID: 34997310 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01922-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Along with bacteria, fungi can represent a significant component of animal- and plant-associated microbial communities. However, we have only begun to describe these fungi, much less examine their effects on most animals and plants. Bacteria associated with the honey bee, Apis mellifera, have been well characterized across different regions of the gut. The mid- and hindgut of foraging bees house a deterministic set of core species that affect host health, whereas the crop, or the honey stomach, harbors a more diverse set of bacteria that is highly variable in composition among individual bees. Whether this contrast between the two regions of the gut also applies to fungi remains unclear despite their potential influence on host health. In honey bees caught foraging at four sites across the San Francisco Peninsula of California, we found that fungi were less distinct in species composition between the crop and the mid- and hindgut than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, fungi varied substantially in species composition throughout the honey bee gut, and much of this variation could be predicted by the location where we collected the bees. These observations suggest that fungi may be transient passengers and unimportant as gut symbionts. However, our findings also indicate that honey bees could be vectors of infectious plant diseases as many of the fungi we found in the honey bee gut are recognized as plant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie E Decker
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA.
| | - Priscilla A San Juan
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
| | - Magdalena L Warren
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
| | - Cory E Duckworth
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Georgia, 159 Sunset Dr, Health and Natural Sciences Building, Dahlonega, GA, 30597, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Cheng Gao
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 321 Koshland Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tadashi Fukami
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 48109-1085, USA
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38
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Copeland DC, Maes PW, Mott BM, Anderson KE. Changes in gut microbiota and metabolism associated with phenotypic plasticity in the honey bee Apis mellifera. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1059001. [PMID: 36569094 PMCID: PMC9788138 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1059001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees exhibit an elaborate social structure based in part on an age-related division of labor. Young workers perform tasks inside the hive, while older workers forage outside the hive, tasks associated with distinct diets and metabolism. Critical to colony fitness, the work force can respond rapidly to changes in the environment or colony demography and assume emergency tasks, resulting in young foragers or old nurses. We hypothesized that both task and age affect the gut microbiota consistent with changes to host diet and physiology. We performed two experiments inducing precocious foragers and reverted nurses, then quantified tissue-specific gut microbiota and host metabolic state associated with nutrition, immunity and oxidative stress. In the precocious forager experiment, both age and ontogeny explained differences in midgut and ileum microbiota, but host gene expression was best explained by an interaction of these factors. Precocious foragers were nutritionally deficient, and incurred higher levels of oxidative damage relative to age-matched nurses. In the oldest workers, reverted nurses, the oxidative damage associated with age and past foraging was compensated by high Vitellogenin expression, which exceeded that of young nurses. Host-microbial interactions were evident throughout the dataset, highlighted by an age-based increase of Gilliamella abundance and diversity concurrent with increased carbonyl accumulation and CuZnSOD expression. The results in general contribute to an understanding of ecological succession of the worker gut microbiota, defining the species-level transition from nurse to forager.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan C. Copeland
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Microbiology, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,*Correspondence: Duan C. Copeland,
| | - Patrick W. Maes
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Entomology and Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Brendon M. Mott
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kirk E. Anderson
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Tucson, AZ, United States,*Correspondence: Duan C. Copeland,
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39
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Living in honey: bacterial and fungal communities in honey of sympatric populations of Apis mellifera and the stingless bee Melipona beecheii, in Yucatan, Mexico. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:718. [DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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Bradford EL, Wax N, Bueren EK, Walke JB, Fell R, Belden LK, Haak DC. Comparative genomics of Lactobacillaceae from the gut of honey bees, Apis mellifera, from the Eastern United States. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac286. [PMID: 36331337 PMCID: PMC9713430 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Lactobacillaceae are an important family of lactic acid bacteria that play key roles in the gut microbiome of many animal species. In the honey bee (Apis mellifera) gut microbiome, many species of Lactobacillaceae are found, and there is functionally important strain-level variation in the bacteria. In this study, we completed whole-genome sequencing of 3 unique Lactobacillaceae isolates collected from hives in Virginia, USA. Using 107 genomes of known bee-associated Lactobacillaceae and Limosilactobacillus reuteri as an outgroup, the phylogenetics of the 3 isolates was assessed, and these isolates were identified as novel strains of Apilactobacillus kunkeei, Lactobacillus kullabergensis, and Bombilactobacillus mellis. Genome rearrangements, conserved orthologous genes (COG) categories and potential prophage regions were identified across the 3 novel strains. The new A. kunkeei strain was enriched in genes related to replication, recombination and repair, the L. kullabergensis strain was enriched for carbohydrate transport, and the B. mellis strain was enriched in transcription or transcriptional regulation and in some genes with unknown functions. Prophage regions were identified in the A. kunkeei and L. kullabergensis isolates. These new bee-associated strains add to our growing knowledge of the honey bee gut microbiome, and to Lactobacillaceae genomics more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Bradford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Noah Wax
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Emma K Bueren
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Jenifer B Walke
- Department of Biology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA 99004, USA
| | - Richard Fell
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Lisa K Belden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - David C Haak
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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41
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Micro"bee"ota: Honey Bee Normal Microbiota as a Part of Superorganism. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122359. [PMID: 36557612 PMCID: PMC9785237 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are model organisms for microbiota research. Gut microbiomes are very interesting for surveys due to their simple structure and relationship with hive production. Long-term studies reveal the gut microbiota patterns of various hive members, as well as the functions, sources, and interactions of the majority of its bacteria. But the fungal non-pathogenic part of gut microbiota is almost unexplored, likewise some other related microbiota. Honey bees, as superorganisms, interact with their own microorganisms, the microbial communities of food stores, hive surfaces, and other environments. Understanding microbiota diversity, its transition ways, and hive niche colonization control are necessary for understanding any separate microbiota niche because of their interplay. The long coevolution of bees with the microorganisms populating these niches makes these systems co-dependent, integrated, and stable. Interaction with the environment, hive, and other bees determines caste lifestyle as well as individual microbiota. In this article, we bring together studies on the microbiota of the western honey bee. We show a possible relationship between caste determination and microbiota composition. And what is primary: caste differentiation or microbiota composition?
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42
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Gorrochategui-Ortega J, Muñoz-Colmenero M, Kovačić M, Filipi J, Puškadija Z, Kezić N, Parejo M, Büchler R, Estonba A, Zarraonaindia I. A short exposure to a semi-natural habitat alleviates the honey bee hive microbial imbalance caused by agricultural stress. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18832. [PMID: 36336704 PMCID: PMC9637708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Honeybee health and the species' gut microbiota are interconnected. Also noteworthy are the multiple niches present within hives, each with distinct microbiotas and all coexisting, which we termed "apibiome". External stressors (e.g. anthropization) can compromise microbial balance and bee resilience. We hypothesised that (1) the bacterial communities of hives located in areas with different degrees of anthropization differ in composition, and (2) due to interactions between the multiple microbiomes within the apibiome, changes in the community of a niche would impact the bacteria present in other hive sections. We characterised the bacterial consortia of different niches (bee gut, bee bread, hive entrance and internal hive air) of 43 hives from 3 different environments (agricultural, semi-natural and natural) through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Agricultural samples presented lower community evenness, depletion of beneficial bacteria, and increased recruitment of stress related pathways (predicted via PICRUSt2). The taxonomic and functional composition of gut and hive entrance followed an environmental gradient. Arsenophonus emerged as a possible indicator of anthropization, gradually decreasing in abundance from agriculture to the natural environment in multiple niches. Importantly, after 16 days of exposure to a semi-natural landscape hives showed intermediate profiles, suggesting alleviation of microbial dysbiosis through reduction of anthropization.
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Affiliation(s)
- June Gorrochategui-Ortega
- grid.11480.3c0000000121671098Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Marta Muñoz-Colmenero
- grid.11480.3c0000000121671098Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain ,grid.419099.c0000 0001 1945 7711Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC)/Institute of Marine Research, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra Spain
| | - Marin Kovačić
- grid.412680.90000 0001 1015 399XFaculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, V.Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Janja Filipi
- grid.424739.f0000 0001 2159 1688Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Trg Kneza Višeslava 9, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
| | - Zlatko Puškadija
- grid.412680.90000 0001 1015 399XFaculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, V.Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Nikola Kezić
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Fisheries, Apiculture and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Melanie Parejo
- grid.11480.3c0000000121671098Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Ralph Büchler
- grid.506460.10000 0004 4679 6788Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen (LLH), Bieneninstitut, Erlenstraße 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany
| | - Andone Estonba
- grid.11480.3c0000000121671098Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Iratxe Zarraonaindia
- grid.11480.3c0000000121671098Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain ,grid.424810.b0000 0004 0467 2314IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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43
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Russell FD, Visagie JC, Noll JL. Secretion of IL-6 by fibroblasts exposed to Australian honeys involves lipopolysaccharide and is independent of floral source. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16628. [PMID: 36198760 PMCID: PMC9534836 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey stimulates cellular secretion of cytokines, which has been attributed to activation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-dependent and LPS-independent pathways. The objective of this study was to identify whether LPS is present in Australian honey samples at levels that can stimulate interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion by fibroblasts and whether it can transduce cell signalling by activating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). IL-6 was measured in culture media of fibroblasts exposed to honey for 24 h. LPS was detected in a 0.125 mg/mL solution of grey ironbark honey (0.61 ± 0.05 ng/g honey). TLR4 signalling was observed in RAW264.7 macrophages that were exposed to honey and this was prevented by preincubating the honey with the LPS-neutralising agent, polymyxin B. Australian Eucalyptus, Leptospermum and Cyathode honeys stimulated IL-6 secretion in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. To examine whether the response was dependent on floral source, fibroblasts were exposed to four different samples of grey ironbark honey obtained from Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. The magnitude of the cytokine response to these honeys was highly varied. We conclude that Australian honeys contain endotoxin at levels that can stimulate IL-6 secretion by fibroblasts and that signalling in macrophages involves TLR4 activation. The IL-6 secretory response was independent of floral source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser D Russell
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia. .,School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| | - Jeanne C Visagie
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Jamie L Noll
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
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44
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Ghosh S, Namin SM, Jung C. Differential Bacterial Community of Bee Bread and Bee Pollen Revealed by 16s rRNA High-Throughput Sequencing. INSECTS 2022; 13:863. [PMID: 36292810 PMCID: PMC9604437 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the bacterial community of bee bread and bee pollen samples using an approach through 16 s rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed a higher bacterial diversity in bee bread than in bee pollen as depicted in taxonomic profiling, as well as diversity indices such as the Shannon diversity index (3.7 to 4.8 for bee bread and 1.1 to 1.7 for bee pollen samples) and Simpson’s index (>0.9 for bee bread and 0.4−0.5 for bee pollen). Principal component analysis showed a distinct difference in bacterial communities. The higher bacterial diversity in the bee bread than bee pollen could presumably be due to factors such as storage period, processing of food, fermentation, and high sugar environment. However, no effect of the feed (rapeseed or oak pollen patties or even natural inflow) was indicated on the bacterial composition of bee bread, presumably because of the lack of restriction of foraged pollen inflow in the hive. The diverse bacterial profile of the bee bread could contribute to the nutritional provisioning as well as enhance the detoxification process; however, a thorough investigation of the functional role of individual bacteria genera remains a task for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampat Ghosh
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
| | - Saeed Mohamadzade Namin
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin 3381774895, Iran
| | - Chuleui Jung
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
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45
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Papp M, Békési L, Farkas R, Makrai L, Judge MF, Maróti G, Tőzsér D, Solymosi N. Natural diversity of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) gut bacteriome in various climatic and seasonal states. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273844. [PMID: 36083885 PMCID: PMC9462563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As pollinators and producers of numerous human-consumed products, honey bees have great ecological, economic and health importance. The composition of their bacteriota, for which the available knowledge is limited, is essential for their body's functioning. Based on our survey, we performed a metagenomic analysis of samples collected by repeated sampling. We used geolocations that represent the climatic types of the study area over two nutritionally extreme periods (March and May) of the collection season. Regarding bacteriome composition, a significant difference was found between the samples from March and May. The samples' bacteriome from March showed a significant composition difference between cooler and warmer regions. However, there were no significant bacteriome composition differences among the climatic classes of samples taken in May. Based on our results, one may conclude that the composition of healthy core bacteriomes in honey bees varies depending on the climatic and seasonal conditions. This is likely due to climatic factors and vegetation states determining the availability and nutrient content of flowering plants. The results of our study prove that in order to gain a thorough understanding of a microbiome's natural diversity, we need to obtain the necessary information from extreme ranges within the host's healthy state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márton Papp
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Békési
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Makrai
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maura Fiona Judge
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Maróti
- Plant Biology Institute of the Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary
- Faculty of Water Sciences, University of Public Service, Baja, Hungary
| | - Dóra Tőzsér
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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46
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Nadal-Jimenez P, Siozios S, Frost CL, Court R, Chrostek E, Drew GC, Evans JD, Hawthorne DJ, Burritt JB, Hurst GDD. Arsenophonus apicola sp. nov., isolated from the honeybee Apis mellifera. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus
Arsenophonus
has been traditionally considered to comprise heritable bacterial symbionts of arthropods. Recent work has reported a microbe related to the type species
Arsenophonus nasoniae
as infecting the honey bee, Apis mellifera. The association was unusual for members of the genus in that the microbe–host interaction arose through environmental and social exposure rather than vertical transmission. In this study, we describe the in vitro culture of ArsBeeUST, a strain of this microbe isolated from A. mellifera in the USA. The 16S rRNA sequence of the isolated strain indicates it falls within the genus
Arsenophonus
. Biolog analysis indicates the bacterium has a restricted range of nutrients that support growth. In vivo experiments demonstrate the strain proliferates rapidly on injection into A. mellifera hosts. We further report the closed genome sequence for the strain. The genome is 3.3 Mb and the G+C content is 37.6 mol%, which is smaller than
A. nasoniae
but larger than the genomes reported for non-culturable
Arsenophonus
symbionts. The genome is complex, with six extrachromosomal elements and 11 predicted intact phage elements, but notably less complex than
A. nasoniae
. Strain ArsBeeUST is clearly distinct from the type species
A. nasoniae
on the basis of genome sequence, with 92 % average nucleotide identity. Based on our results, we propose Arsenophonus apicola sp. nov., with the type strain ArsBeeUST (CECT 30499T=DSM113403T=LMG 32504T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Nadal-Jimenez
- Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stefanos Siozios
- Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Crystal L. Frost
- Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca Court
- Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ewa Chrostek
- Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Georgia C. Drew
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jay D. Evans
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Lab, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | | | - James B. Burritt
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI, USA
| | - Gregory D. D. Hurst
- Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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47
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Sedó Molina GE, Shetty R, Xiao H, Wätjen AP, Tovar M, Bang-Berthelsen CH. Development of a novel lactic acid bacteria starter culture approach: From insect microbiome to plant-based fermentations. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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48
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Tlais AZA, Polo A, Filannino P, Cantatore V, Gobbetti M, Di Cagno R. Biofilm formation as an extra gear for Apilactobacillus kunkeei to counter the threat of agrochemicals in honeybee crop. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:2160-2175. [PMID: 35417624 PMCID: PMC9328740 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The alteration of a eubiosis status in honeybees' gut microbiota is directly linked to the occurrence of diseases, and likely to the honeybees decline. Since fructophilic lactobacilli were suggested as symbionts for honeybees, we mechanistically investigated their behaviour under the exposure to agrochemicals (Roundup, Mediator and Reldan containing glyphosate, imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos-methyl as active ingredients respectively) and plant secondary metabolites (nicotine and p-coumaric acid) ingested by honeybees as part of their diet. The effects of exposure to agrochemicals and plant secondary metabolites were assessed both on planktonic cells and sessile communities of three biofilm-forming strains of Apilactobacillus kunkeei. We identified the high sensitivity of A. kunkeei planktonic cells to Roundup and Reldan, while cells embedded in mature biofilms had increased resistance to the same agrochemicals. However, agrochemicals still exerted a substantial inhibitory/control effect if the exposure was during the preliminary steps of biofilm formation. The level of susceptibility resulted to be strain-specific. Exopolysaccharides resulted in the main component of extracellular polymeric matrix (ECM) in biofilm, but the exposure to Roundup caused a change in ECM production and composition. Nicotine and p-coumaric acid had a growth-promoting effect in sessile communities, although no effect was found on planktonic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Polo
- Faculty of Sciences and TechnologyLibera Università di BolzanoBolzanoItaly
| | - Pasquale Filannino
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food ScienceUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | - Vincenzo Cantatore
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food ScienceUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | - Marco Gobbetti
- Faculty of Sciences and TechnologyLibera Università di BolzanoBolzanoItaly
| | - Raffaella Di Cagno
- Faculty of Sciences and TechnologyLibera Università di BolzanoBolzanoItaly
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49
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Zhang ZJ, Zheng H. Bumblebees with the socially transmitted microbiome: A novel model organism for gut microbiota research. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:958-976. [PMID: 35567381 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Eusocial bumble and honey bees are important pollinators for global ecology and the agricultural economy. Although both the bumble and honey bees possess similar and host-restricted gut microbiota, they differ in aspects of morphology, autonomy, physiology, behavior, and life cycle. The social bee gut bacteria exhibit host specificity that is likely a result of long-term co-evolution. The unique life cycle of bumblebees is key for the acquisition and development of their gut microbiota, and affects the strain-level diversity of the core bacterial species. Studies on bumblebee gut bacteria show that they retain less functional capacity for carbohydrate metabolism compared with that of the honeybee. We discuss the potential roles of the bumblebee gut microbiota against pathogenic threats and the application of host-specific probiotics for bumblebees. Given the advantages of the bumblebee microbiome, including the simple structure and host specificity, and the ease of manipulating bumblebee colonies, we propose that bumblebees may provide a valuable system for understanding the general principles of host-microbe interactions, gut-brain axis, and vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jing Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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50
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Isolation, Assessments of Risk Factors, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test of Klebsiella from Gut of Bee in and around Haramaya University Bee Farm, East Hararghe, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Vet Med Int 2022; 2022:9460543. [PMID: 35942202 PMCID: PMC9356775 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9460543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was employed from March 2021 to October 2021 to isolate and identify Klebsiella species found in the gut of honey bees collected from worker of honey bee (Apis mellifera) from hives in Haramaya University bee farm, Damota and Finqile's, managed under traditional and modern beekeeping apiculture. From the selected farm, a total of 60 samples of live adult honey bees were collected purposively. The live adult worker of the honey bee was individually surface-sterilized and complete alimentary canals of the worker bee were dissected and processed for Klebsiella isolation. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the occurrence of Klebsiella species and the proportion of Klebsiella found in the gut was analyzed for the association with study variables by the Pearson chi-square test. The overall prevalence of Klebsiella spp. was 50% from samples. The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae was 26.7% and that of Klebsiella oxytoca was 23.3% from isolated using bacteriological examined samples. The isolates were characterized for the antimicrobial susceptibility test using the disc diffusion method. Among the isolated colonies, Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest resistance to ampicillin (84.2%) and showed less resistance to gentamycin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (26.3%). Klebsiella oxytoca was highly resistant to ampicillin (54.5%) and erythromycin (54.5%) and showed low and equal resistance to gentamycin and amoxicillin (18.2%). Molecular characterization should be conducted to identify Klebsiella spp. from honey bees. Monitoring antimicrobial effectiveness is recommended to tackle the existing problem in apiculture farms, and its possible public health threat should be noted for community by public health professionals.
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