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Qi Y, Wang C, Lang H, Wang Y, Wang X, Zheng H, Lu Y. Liposome-based RNAi delivery in honeybee for inhibiting parasite Nosema ceranae. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:853-860. [PMID: 39139857 PMCID: PMC11320372 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.07.003] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae, a parasite that parasitizes and reproduces in the gut of honeybees, has become a serious threat to the global apiculture industry. RNA interference (RNAi) technology can be used to inhibit N. ceranae growth by targeting silencing the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in N. ceranae. However, suitable carriers are one of the reasons limiting the application of RNAi due to the easy degradation of dsRNA in honeybees. As a vesicle composed of a lipid bilayer, liposomes are a good carrier for nucleic acid delivery, but studies in honeybees are lacking. In this study, liposomes were used for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) dsTrxR delivery triggering RNAi to inhibit the N. ceranae growth in honeybees. Compared to naked dsTrxR, liposome-dsTrxR reduced N. ceranae numbers in the midgut and partially restored midgut morphology without affecting bee survival and gut microbial composition. The results of this study confirmed that liposomes could effectively protect dsRNA from entering the honeybee gut and provide a reference for using RNAi technology to suppress honeybee pests and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qi
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Haoyu Lang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yueyi Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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2
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Liu Y, Jia S, Wu Y, Zhou N, Xie Y, Wei R, Huang Z, Chen Y, Hu F, Zheng H. Tetracycline-induced gut community dysbiosis and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus infection synergistically negatively affect honeybees. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116706. [PMID: 38996647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116706] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics are frequently employed to control bacterial diseases in honeybees, but their broad-spectrum action can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis. This imbalance in the gut microbiota of honeybees adversely affects their physiological health and weakens their resistance to pathogens, including viruses that significantly threaten honeybee health. In this study, we investigated whether tetracycline-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis promotes the replication of Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), a key virus associated with colony losses and whether IAPV infection exacerbates gut microbiome dysbiosis. Our results demonstrated that tetracycline-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis increases the susceptibility of honeybees to IAPV infection. The viral titer in worker bees with antibiotic-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis prior to IAPV inoculation was significantly higher than in those merely inoculated with IAPV. Furthermore, we observed a synergistic effect between tetracycline and IAPV on the disruption of the honeybee gut microbiome balance. The progression of IAPV replication could, in turn, exacerbate antibiotic-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis in honeybees. Our research provides novel insights into the role of the gut microbiota in host-virus interactions, emphasizing the complex interplay between antibiotic use, gut microbiome health, and viral susceptibility in honeybees. We highlight the crucial role of a balanced gut microbiota in honey bees for their immune response against pathogens and emphasize the importance of careful, safe antibiotic use in beekeeping to protect these beneficial microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shuo Jia
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuqi Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nihong Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yanling Xie
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ruike Wei
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhichu Huang
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua 321017, China
| | - Yanping Chen
- Bee Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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3
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Urcan AC, Criste AD, Bobiș O, Cornea-Cipcigan M, Giurgiu AI, Dezmirean DS. Evaluation of Functional Properties of Some Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains for Probiotic Applications in Apiculture. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1249. [PMID: 38930631 PMCID: PMC11205645 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061249] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the suitability of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains-Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Apilactobacillus kunkeei-for use as probiotics in apiculture. Given the decline in bee populations due to pathogens and environmental stressors, sustainable alternatives to conventional treatments are necessary. This study aimed to assess the potential of these LAB strains in a probiotic formulation for bees through various in vitro tests, including co-culture interactions, biofilm formation, auto-aggregation, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility, and resistance to high osmotic concentrations. This study aimed to assess both the individual effects of the strains and their combined effects, referred to as the LAB mix. Results indicated no mutual antagonistic activity among the LAB strains, demonstrating their compatibility with multi-strain probiotic formulations. The LAB strains showed significant survival rates under high osmotic stress and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The LAB mix displayed enhanced biofilm formation, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial efficacy against different bacterial strains. These findings suggest that a probiotic formulation containing these LAB strains could be used for a probiotic formulation, offering a promising approach to mitigating the negative effects of pathogens. Future research should focus on in vivo studies to validate the efficacy of these probiotic bacteria in improving bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Cristina Urcan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.U.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Adriana Dalila Criste
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.U.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Otilia Bobiș
- Department of Apiculture and Sericulture, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Mihaiela Cornea-Cipcigan
- Department of Horticulture and Landscaping, Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alexandru-Ioan Giurgiu
- Department of Apiculture and Sericulture, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Daniel Severus Dezmirean
- Department of Apiculture and Sericulture, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
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4
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Glavinic U, Jovanovic NM, Dominikovic N, Lakic N, Ćosić M, Stevanovic J, Stanimirovic Z. Potential of Wormwood and Oak Bark-Based Supplement in Health Improvement of Nosema ceranae-Infected Honey Bees. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1195. [PMID: 38672343 PMCID: PMC11047348 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081195] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and reproductive capacity of honey bee colonies. There are several different strategies for Nosema infection control, including natural-based and antibiotic-based products. In this study, we tested wormwood and oak bark-based supplement "Medenko forte" on survival, Nosema infection, oxidative stress, and expression of immune-related genes in artificially N. ceranae-infected bees. The results revealed a positive influence on the survival of Nosema-infected bees, irrespectively of the moment of supplement application (day 1, day 3, or day 6 after bee emergence), as well as reduction of Nosema loads and, consequently, Nosema-induced oxidative stress. Supplementation had no negative effects on bee immunity, but better anti-Nosema than immune-stimulating effects were affirmed based on expression levels of abaecin, defensin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin genes. In conclusion, the tested supplement "Medenko forte" has great potential in the health protection of Nosema-infected bees. However, further investigations need to be performed to elucidate its mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Nemanja M. Jovanovic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Dominikovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Nada Lakic
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milivoje Ćosić
- Institute of Forestry, Kneza Viseslava 3, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Jevrosima Stevanovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
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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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6
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Parrella P, Elikan AB, Snow JW. Pathogen- and host-directed pharmacologic strategies for control of Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. infection in honey bees. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13026. [PMID: 38572630 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13026] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites of the Fungal Kingdom that cause widespread infections in nature, with important effects on invertebrates involved in food production systems. The two microsporidian species Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae (and the less common Vairimorpha (Nosema) apis) can cause individual disease in honey bees and contribute to colony collapse. The efficacy, safety, and availability of fumagillin, the only drug currently approved to treat microsporidia infection in bees, is uncertain. In this review, we will discuss some of the most promising alternative strategies for the mitigation of Vairimorpha spp. with an emphasis on infection by V. ceranae, now the dominant species infecting bees. We will focus on pharmacologic interventions where the mechanism of action is known and examine both pathogen-directed and host-directed approaches. As limiting toxicity to host cells has been especially emphasized in treating bees that are already facing numerous stressors, strategies that disrupt pathogen-specific targets may be especially advantageous. Therefore, efforts to increase the knowledge and tools for facilitating the discovery of such targets and pharmacologic agents directed against them should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker Parrella
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jonathan W Snow
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Tersigni J, Tamim El Jarkass H, James EB, Reinke AW. Interactions between microsporidia and other members of the microbiome. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13025. [PMID: 38561869 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13025] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome is the collection of microbes that are associated with a host. Microsporidia are intracellular eukaryotic parasites that can infect most types of animals. In the last decade, there has been much progress to define the relationship between microsporidia and the microbiome. In this review, we cover an increasing number of reports suggesting that microsporidia are common components of the microbiome in both invertebrates and vertebrates. These microsporidia infections can range from mutualistic to pathogenic, causing several physiological phenotypes, including death. Infection with microsporidia often causes a disruption in the normal microbiome, with both increases and decreases of bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoan species being observed. This impact on the microbiome can occur through upregulation and downregulation of innate immunity as well as morphological changes to tissues that impact interactions with these microbes. Other microbes, particularly bacteria, can inhibit microsporidia and have been exploited to control microsporidia infections. These bacteria can function through regulating immunity, secreting anti-microsporidia compounds, and, in engineered versions, expressing double-stranded RNA targeting microsporidia genes. We end this review by discussing potential future directions to further understand the complex interactions between microsporidia and the other members of the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Tersigni
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Edward B James
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Kaur M, Miquel S, Ollivier-Nakusi L, Thoral C, Vareille-Delarbre M, Bekirian C, d'Enfert C, Fontaine T, Roget K, Forestier C. Elemental sulfur enhances the anti-fungal effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Lcr35. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105286. [PMID: 38160785 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105286] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Lcr35 is a well-known bacterial strain whose efficiency in preventing recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis has been largely demonstrated in clinical trials. The presence of sodium thiosulfate (STS) has been shown to enhance its ability to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans strains. In this study, we confirmed that Lcr35 has a fungicidal effect not only on the planktonic form of C. albicans but also on other life forms such as hypha and biofilm. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the presence of C. albicans induced a metabolic adaptation of Lcr35 potentially associated with a competitive advantage over yeast cells. However, STS alone had no impact on the global gene expression of Lcr35, which is not in favor of the involvement of an enzymatic transformation of STS. Comparative HPLC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the organic phase from cell-free supernatant (CFS) fractions obtained from Lcr35 cultures performed in the presence and absence of STS identified elemental sulfur (S0) in the samples initially containing STS. In addition, the anti-Candida activity of CFS from STS-containing cultures was shown to be pH-dependent and occurred at acidic pH lower than 5. We next investigated the antifungal activity of lactic acid and acetic acid, the two main organic acids produced by lactobacilli. The two molecules affected the viability of C. albicans but only at pH 3.5 and in a dose-dependent manner, an antifungal effect that was enhanced in samples containing STS in which the thiosulfate was decomposed into S0. In conclusion, the use of STS as an excipient in the manufacturing process of Lcr35 exerted a dual action since the production of organic acids by Lcr35 facilitates the decomposition of thiosulfate into S0, thereby enhancing the bacteria's own anti-fungal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjyot Kaur
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 Allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sylvie Miquel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | | | - Claudia Thoral
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 Allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Clara Bekirian
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC 2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC 2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC 2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Karine Roget
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 Allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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9
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Garcias-Bonet N, Roik A, Tierney B, García FC, Villela HDM, Dungan AM, Quigley KM, Sweet M, Berg G, Gram L, Bourne DG, Ushijima B, Sogin M, Hoj L, Duarte G, Hirt H, Smalla K, Rosado AS, Carvalho S, Thurber RV, Ziegler M, Mason CE, van Oppen MJH, Voolstra CR, Peixoto RS. Horizon scanning the application of probiotics for wildlife. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:252-269. [PMID: 37758552 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.08.012] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The provision of probiotics benefits the health of a wide range of organisms, from humans to animals and plants. Probiotics can enhance stress resilience of endangered organisms, many of which are critically threatened by anthropogenic impacts. The use of so-called 'probiotics for wildlife' is a nascent application, and the field needs to reflect on standards for its development, testing, validation, risk assessment, and deployment. Here, we identify the main challenges of this emerging intervention and provide a roadmap to validate the effectiveness of wildlife probiotics. We cover the essential use of inert negative controls in trials and the investigation of the probiotic mechanisms of action. We also suggest alternative microbial therapies that could be tested in parallel with the probiotic application. Our recommendations align approaches used for humans, aquaculture, and plants to the emerging concept and use of probiotics for wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Garcias-Bonet
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna Roik
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB), Oldenburg, Germany; Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Braden Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francisca C García
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Helena D M Villela
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashley M Dungan
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate M Quigley
- Minderoo Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia; James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility, Nature-based Solutions Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria; University of Potsdam and Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lone Gram
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David G Bourne
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Blake Ushijima
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Maggie Sogin
- Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Lone Hoj
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Gustavo Duarte
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; IMPG, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heribert Hirt
- Center for Desert Agriculture (CDA), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Alexandre S Rosado
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Susana Carvalho
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; WorldQuant Initiative on Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madeleine J H van Oppen
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | | | - Raquel S Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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10
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Anderson KE, Allen NO, Copeland DC, Kortenkamp OL, Erickson R, Mott BM, Oliver R. A longitudinal field study of commercial honey bees shows that non-native probiotics do not rescue antibiotic treatment, and are generally not beneficial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1954. [PMID: 38263184 PMCID: PMC10806037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52118-z] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are widely used in agriculture including commercial beekeeping, but there is little evidence supporting their effectiveness. Antibiotic treatments can greatly distort the gut microbiome, reducing its protective abilities and facilitating the growth of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Commercial beekeepers regularly apply antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, often followed by an application of non-native probiotics advertised to ease the impact of antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis. We tested whether probiotics affect the gut microbiome or disease prevalence, or rescue the negative effects of antibiotic induced gut dysbiosis. We found no difference in the gut microbiome or disease markers by probiotic application or antibiotic recovery associated with probiotic treatment. A colony-level application of the antibiotics oxytetracycline and tylosin produced an immediate decrease in gut microbiome size, and over the longer-term, very different and persistent dysbiotic effects on the composition and membership of the hindgut microbiome. Our results demonstrate the lack of probiotic effect or antibiotic rescue, detail the duration and character of dysbiotic states resulting from different antibiotics, and highlight the importance of the gut microbiome for honeybee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk E Anderson
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA.
| | - Nathan O Allen
- Department of Entomology and Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Duan C Copeland
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
| | - Oliver L Kortenkamp
- Department of Entomology and Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Robert Erickson
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
| | - Brendon M Mott
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
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11
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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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12
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Singh RP, Mishra A, Chandel SS, Agarwal M, Chawra HS, Singh M, Dubey G. Unlocking New Approaches to Urolithiasis Management Via Nutraceuticals. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2024; 25:1124-1131. [PMID: 37608670 DOI: 10.2174/1389201024666230821122416] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Urolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones, is characterized by the formation of hard deposits in the urinary tract. These stones can cause severe pain and discomfort, and their management typically involves a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle modifications. According to the literature, 30% and 50% of urolithiasis cases recur. Between 9 and 12% of persons in industrialised countries are predicted to have urolithiasis at some time. Due to the high frequency of stone formation, recurrent nature, and prevalence in adults, it has a significant impact on society, the person, and the health care system. Adopting the best prophylactic measures is crucial in light of these developments to decrease the impact of urolithiasis on individuals and society. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of nutraceuticals in the management of urolithiasis. Nutraceuticals, such as herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, have gained recognition for their potential in promoting urinary health and reducing the risk of urolithiasis. These compounds can aid in various ways, including inhibiting crystal formation, enhancing urine pH balance, reducing urinary calcium excretion, and supporting kidney function. Additionally, nutraceuticals can help alleviate symptoms associated with urolithiasis, such as pain and inflammation. While medical interventions remain crucial, incorporating nutraceuticals into a comprehensive management plan can offer a holistic approach to urolithiasis, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Therefore, nutraceuticals may be a desirable choice for treating and avoiding recurring urolithiasis for patients and medical professionals. Therefore, the present study has focused on nutraceuticals' role in preventing urolithiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Pal Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Anurag Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | | | - Mohit Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacy, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Himmat Singh Chawra
- Department of Pharmacy, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Mithilesh Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Gaurav Dubey
- Department of Pharmacy, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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13
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Rodríguez MA, Fernández LA, Daisley BA, Reynaldi FJ, Allen-Vercoe E, Thompson GJ. Probiotics and in-hive fermentation as a source of beneficial microbes to support the gut microbial health of honey bees. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:19. [PMID: 38055943 PMCID: PMC10699873 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Managed populations of honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus; Hymenoptera: Apidae) are regularly exposed to infectious diseases. Good hive management including the occasional application of antibiotics can help mitigate infectious outbreaks, but new beekeeping tools and techniques that bolster immunity and help control disease transmission are welcome. In this review, we focus on the applications of beneficial microbes for disease management as well as to support hive health and sustainability within the apicultural industry. We draw attention to the latest advances in probiotic approaches as well as the integration of fermented foods (such as water kefir) with disease-fighting properties that might ultimately be delivered to hives as an alternative or partial antidote to antibiotics. There is substantial evidence from in vitro laboratory studies that suggest beneficial microbes could be an effective method for improving disease resistance in honey bees. However, colony level evidence is lacking and there is urgent need for further validation via controlled field trials experimentally designed to test defined microbial compositions against specific diseases of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Estudios Apícolas (LabEA-CIC), Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Leticia A Fernández
- Laboratorio de Estudios Apícolas (LabEA-CIC), Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Brendan A Daisley
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Francisco J Reynaldi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada (CEMIBA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emma Allen-Vercoe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Graham J Thompson
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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14
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Carvajal RI, Silva-Mieres F, Ilabaca A, Rocha J, Arellano-Arriagada L, Zuniga Arbalti FA, García-Cancino A. Isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus casei A14.2, a strain with immunomodulating activity on Apis mellifera. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103612. [PMID: 36936701 PMCID: PMC10020679 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the economic and environmental role played by bees and their present threats it is necessary to develop food supplements favoring their health. The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize an immunomodulating probiotic capable to improve the health of honeybee colonies. For this purpose, bacterial strains were isolated from Apis mellifera bees (N = 180) obtained at three apiaries. A total of 44 strains were isolated and 9 of them were identified as Lactobacillus having the capacity to grow under saccharose osmotic stress, at pH 4.0 and possessing a wide susceptibility to antibiotics. Results allowed to select two strains but finally only one of them, strain A14.2 showed a very significant immunomodulating activity. This strain increased the expression of mRNA codifying the antimicrobial peptides 24 h post-administration. We evaluated its growth kinetics under aerobic and microaerobic conditions and its survival in the presence of high concentrations of saccharose. Results demonstrated that Lactobacillus casei A14.2 strain was highly tolerant to oxygen and that it was able to adapt to saccharose enriched environments (50% and 100% w/v). Finally, L. casei A14.2 strain was administered monthly during summer and early fall to 4 honeybee colonies (2 controls and 2 treatments). The results showed a gradual sustained decrease of infestation (p < 0.05) by the pathogenic Nosema spp. but no reduction in the infestation by the mite Varroa destructor. These results suggest that the administration of this potential probiotic, may increase the resistance of honeybee colonies to infectious diseases caused by Nosema spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina I. Carvajal
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Concepción, Lientur 1457, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Fabiola Silva-Mieres
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Alejandra Ilabaca
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Jorge Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Luciano Arellano-Arriagada
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Felipe A. Zuniga Arbalti
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Apolinaria García-Cancino
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Corresponding author.
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15
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Leska A, Nowak A, Rosicka-Kaczmarek J, Ryngajłło M, Czarnecka-Chrebelska KH. Characterization and Protective Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Intended to Be Used in Probiotic Preparation for Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)—An In Vitro Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061059. [PMID: 36978601 PMCID: PMC10044574 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used probiotics and offer promising prospects for increasing the viability of honeybees. Thus, the probiotic potential of 10 LAB strains was determined, which in our previous studies showed the most potent protective abilities. In the current study, we investigated various properties of probiotic candidates. The tested LAB strains varied in susceptibility to tested antibiotics. Isolates showed high viability in sugar syrups and gastrointestinal conditions. None of the LAB strains exhibited β-hemolytic activity, mutual antagonism, mucin degradation, hydrogen peroxide production capacity, or bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of LAB cell-free supernatants (CFS) was assessed, as well as the effect of CFS from P. pentosaceus 14/1 on the cytotoxicity of coumaphos and chlorpyrifos in the Caco-2 cell line. The viability of Caco-2 cells reached up to 89.81% in the presence of the highest concentration of CFS. Furthermore, LAB metabolites decreased the cytotoxicity of insecticides (up to 19.32%) thus demonstrating cytoprotective activity. All tested LAB strains produced lactic, acetic, and malonic acids. This research allowed the selection of the most effective LAB strains, in terms of probiosis, for future in vivo studies aimed at developing an ecologically protective biopreparation for honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Leska
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-530 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Adriana Nowak
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-530 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Justyna Rosicka-Kaczmarek
- Institute of Food Technology and Analysis, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ryngajłło
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-573 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Henryka Czarnecka-Chrebelska
- Department of Biomedicine and Genetics, Chair of Biology and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lodz, 5 Mazowiecka Str. (A-6 Building), 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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16
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Ye M, Li X, Yang F, Zhou B. Beneficial bacteria as biocontrol agents for American foulbrood disease in honey bees (Apis mellifera). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:6. [PMID: 36947033 PMCID: PMC10032306 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
American foulbrood (AFB) is a cosmopolitan bacterial disease that affects honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae and causes great economic losses in apiculture. Currently, no satisfactory methods are available for AFB treatment mainly due to the difficulties to eradicate the tenacious spores produced by the etiological agent of AFB, Paenibacillus larvae (Bacillales, Paenibacillaceae). This present review focused on the beneficial bacteria that displayed antagonistic activities against P. larvae and demonstrated potential in AFB control. Emphases were placed on commensal bacteria (genus Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria in particular) in the alimentary tract of honey bees. The probiotic roles lactic acid bacteria play in combating the pathogenic P. larvae and the limitations referring to the application of these beneficial bacteria were addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manhong Ye
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agricultural & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Li
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fengping Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
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17
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Donkersley P, Rice A, Graham RI, Wilson K. Gut microbial community supplementation and reduction modulates African armyworm susceptibility to a baculovirus. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 99:6880154. [PMID: 36473704 PMCID: PMC9764207 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota stimulates the immune system and inhibits pathogens, and thus, it is critical for disease prevention. Probiotics represent an effective alternative to antibiotics used for the therapy and prevention of bacterial diseases. Probiotic bacteria are commonly used in vertebrates, although their use in invertebrates is still rare. We manipulated the gut microbiome of the African Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta Walker) using antibiotics and field-collected frass, in an attempt to understand the interactions of the gut microbiome with the nucleopolyhedrovirus, SpexNPV. We found that S. exempta individuals with supplemented gut microbiome were significantly more resistant to SpexNPV, relative to those with a typical laboratory gut microbiome. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed the bacterial phyla in the S. exempta gut belonged to 28 different classes. Individuals with an increased abundance of Lactobacillales had a higher probability of surviving viral infection. In contrast, there was an increased abundance of Enterobacteriales and Pseudomonadales in individuals dying from viral infection, corresponding with decreased abundance of these two Orders in surviving caterpillars, suggesting a potential role for them in modulating the interaction between the host and its pathogen. These results have important implications for laboratory studies testing biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Donkersley
- Corresponding author: Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom. E-mail:
| | - Annabel Rice
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Robert I Graham
- Department of Rural Land Use, SRUC, Craibstone Campus, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
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18
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Astolfi ML, Conti ME, Messi M, Marconi E. Probiotics as a promising prophylactic tool to reduce levels of toxic or potentially toxic elements in bees. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136261. [PMID: 36057357 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bees are precious living beings for our planet. Thanks to their essential service of pollination, these insects allow the maintenance of biodiversity and the variety and amount of food available. Unfortunately, we are observing an increasingly devastating reduction of bee families and other pollinating insects for factors related to human activities, environmental pollution, diseases and parasites, compromise of natural habitats, and climate change. We show that probiotics can protect bees from element pollution. We collected bees, beeswax, honey, pollen, and propolis directly from hives in a rural area of central Italy to investigate the content of 41 elements in control (not supplemented with probiotics) and experimental (supplemented with probiotics) groups. Our data show a significantly lower concentration of some elements (Ba, Be, Cd, Ce, Co, Cu, Pb, Sn, Tl, and U) in experimental bees than in control groups, indicating a possible beneficial effect of probiotics in reducing the absorption of chemicals. This study presents the first data on element levels after probiotics have been fed to bees and provides the basis for future research in several activities relating to the environment, agriculture, economy, territory, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy; CIABC, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Marcelo Enrique Conti
- Department of Management, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Messi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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19
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Becchimanzi A, Nicoletti R. Aspergillus-bees: A dynamic symbiotic association. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:968963. [PMID: 36160228 PMCID: PMC9489833 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.968963] [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: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides representing one of the most relevant threats of fungal origin to human and animal health, the genus Aspergillus includes opportunistic pathogens which may infect bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in all developmental stages. At least 30 different species of Aspergillus have been isolated from managed and wild bees. Some efficient behavioral responses (e.g., diseased brood removal) exerted by bees negatively affect the chance to diagnose the pathology, and may contribute to the underestimation of aspergillosis importance in beekeeping. On the other hand, bee immune responses may be affected by biotic and abiotic stresses and suffer from the loose co-evolutionary relationships with Aspergillus pathogenic strains. However, if not pathogenic, these hive mycobiota components can prove to be beneficial to bees, by affecting the interaction with other pathogens and parasites and by detoxifying xenobiotics. The pathogenic aptitude of Aspergillus spp. likely derives from the combined action of toxins and hydrolytic enzymes, whose effects on bees have been largely overlooked until recently. Variation in the production of these virulence factors has been observed among strains, even belonging to the same species. Toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains/species may co-exist in a homeostatic equilibrium which is susceptible to be perturbed by several external factors, leading to mutualistic/antagonistic switch in the relationships between Aspergillus and bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Becchimanzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
- *Correspondence: Andrea Becchimanzi,
| | - Rosario Nicoletti
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Caserta, Italy
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20
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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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21
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Peixoto RS, Voolstra CR, Sweet M, Duarte CM, Carvalho S, Villela H, Lunshof JE, Gram L, Woodhams DC, Walter J, Roik A, Hentschel U, Thurber RV, Daisley B, Ushijima B, Daffonchio D, Costa R, Keller-Costa T, Bowman JS, Rosado AS, Reid G, Mason CE, Walke JB, Thomas T, Berg G. Harnessing the microbiome to prevent global biodiversity loss. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1726-1735. [PMID: 35864220 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Global biodiversity loss and mass extinction of species are two of the most critical environmental issues the world is currently facing, resulting in the disruption of various ecosystems central to environmental functions and human health. Microbiome-targeted interventions, such as probiotics and microbiome transplants, are emerging as potential options to reverse deterioration of biodiversity and increase the resilience of wildlife and ecosystems. However, the implementation of these interventions is urgently needed. We summarize the current concepts, bottlenecks and ethical aspects encompassing the careful and responsible management of ecosystem resources using the microbiome (termed microbiome stewardship) to rehabilitate organisms and ecosystem functions. We propose a real-world application framework to guide environmental and wildlife probiotic applications. This framework details steps that must be taken in the upscaling process while weighing risks against the high toll of inaction. In doing so, we draw parallels with other aspects of contemporary science moving swiftly in the face of urgent global challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel S Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Carlos M Duarte
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.,Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Susana Carvalho
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Helena Villela
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jeantine E Lunshof
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lone Gram
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Douglas C Woodhams
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Jens Walter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, School of Microbiology, and Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Anna Roik
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB), Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ute Hentschel
- RD3 Marine Symbioses, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Brendan Daisley
- Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Blake Ushijima
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Daniele Daffonchio
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rodrigo Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tina Keller-Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jeff S Bowman
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alexandre S Rosado
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gregor Reid
- Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jenifer B Walke
- Department of Biology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, USA
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.,University of Postdam and Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany
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22
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Motta EVS, Powell JE, Leonard SP, Moran NA. Prospects for probiotics in social bees. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210156. [PMID: 35491599 PMCID: PMC9058534 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Social corbiculate bees are major pollinators. They have characteristic bacterial microbiomes associated with their hives and their guts. In honeybees and bumblebees, worker guts contain a microbiome composed of distinctive bacterial taxa shown to benefit hosts. These benefits include stimulating immune and metabolic pathways, digesting or detoxifying food, and defending against pathogens and parasites. Stressors including toxins and poor nutrition disrupt the microbiome and increase susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens. Administering probiotic bacterial strains may improve the health of individual bees and of hives, and several commercial probiotics are available for bees. However, evidence for probiotic benefits is lacking or mixed. Most bacterial species used in commercial probiotics are not native to bee guts. We present new experimental results showing that cultured strains of native bee gut bacteria colonize robustly while bacteria in a commercial probiotic do not establish in bee guts. A defined community of native bee gut bacteria resembles unperturbed native gut communities in its activation of genes for immunity and metabolism in worker bees. Although many questions remain unanswered, the development of natural probiotics for honeybees, or for commercially managed bumblebees, is a promising direction for protecting the health of managed bee colonies. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick V S Motta
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - J Elijah Powell
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sean P Leonard
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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23
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Jabal-Uriel C, Alba C, Higes M, Rodríguez JM, Martín-Hernández R. Effect of Nosema ceranae infection and season on the gut bacteriome composition of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera). Sci Rep 2022; 12:9326. [PMID: 35662256 PMCID: PMC9167302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite that infects honeybees' gut altering the digestive functions; therefore, it has the potential of affecting the composition of the gut microbiome. In this work, individual bees of known age were sampled both in spring and autumn, and their digestive tracts were assessed for N. ceranae infection. Intestinal microbiome was assessed by sequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in two different gut sections, the anterior section (AS; midgut and a half of ileum) and the posterior section (PS; second half of ileum and rectum). A preliminary analysis with a first batch of samples (n = 42) showed that AS samples had a higher potential to discriminate between infected and non-infected bees than PS samples. As a consequence, AS samples were selected for subsequent analyses. When analyzing the whole set of AS samples (n = 158) no changes in α- or β-diversity were observed between infected and non-infected bees. However, significant changes in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes appeared when a subgroup of highly infected bees was compared to the group of non-infected bees. Seasonality and bees' age had a significant impact in shaping the bacteriome structure and composition of the bees' gut. Further research is needed to elucidate possible associations between the microbiome and N. ceranae infection in order to find efficient strategies for prevention of infections through modulation of bees' microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Jabal-Uriel
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), IRIAF - Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, 19180, Marchamalo, Spain.
| | - Claudio Alba
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), IRIAF - Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, 19180, Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Rodríguez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), IRIAF - Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, 19180, Marchamalo, Spain.
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT - ESF/EC-FSE), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla - La Mancha, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
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24
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Recent Advances in the Biocontrol of Nosemosis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.). J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050424. [PMID: 35628680 PMCID: PMC9145624 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosemosis is a disease triggered by the single-celled spore-forming fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, which can cause extensive colony losses in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Fumagillin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control nosemosis, but due to its toxicity, it is currently banned in many countries. Accordingly, in the beekeeping sector, there is a strong demand for alternative ecological methods that can be used for the prevention and therapeutic control of nosemosis in honey bee colonies. Numerous studies have shown that plant extracts, RNA interference (RNAi) and beneficial microbes could provide viable non-antibiotic alternatives. In this article, recent scientific advances in the biocontrol of nosemosis are summarized.
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25
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Functional Properties and Antimicrobial Activity from Lactic Acid Bacteria as Resources to Improve the Health and Welfare of Honey Bees. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030308. [PMID: 35323606 PMCID: PMC8953987 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Honey bees play a pivotal role in the sustainability of ecosystems and biodiversity. Many factors including parasites, pathogens, pesticide residues, forage losses, and poor nutrition have been proposed to explain honey bee colony losses. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of honey bees and their role has been consistently reported in the literature. In recent years, there have been numerous scientific evidence that the intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in honey bee health. Management strategies, based on supplementation of the gut microbiota with probiotics, may be important to increase stress tolerance and disease resistance. In this review, recent scientific advances on the use of LABs as microbial supplements in the diet of honey bees are summarized and discussed. Abstract Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are agriculturally important pollinators. Over the past decades, significant losses of wild and domestic bees have been reported in many parts of the world. Several biotic and abiotic factors, such as change in land use over time, intensive land management, use of pesticides, climate change, beekeeper’s management practices, lack of forage (nectar and pollen), and infection by parasites and pathogens, negatively affect the honey bee’s well-being and survival. The gut microbiota is important for honey bee growth and development, immune function, protection against pathogen invasion; moreover, a well-balanced microbiota is fundamental to support honey bee health and vigor. In fact, the structure of the bee’s intestinal bacterial community can become an indicator of the honey bee’s health status. Lactic acid bacteria are normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of many insects, and their presence in the honey bee intestinal tract has been consistently reported in the literature. In the first section of this review, recent scientific advances in the use of LABs as probiotic supplements in the diet of honey bees are summarized and discussed. The second section discusses some of the mechanisms by which LABs carry out their antimicrobial activity against pathogens. Afterward, individual paragraphs are dedicated to Chalkbrood, American foulbrood, European foulbrood, Nosemosis, and Varroosis as well as to the potentiality of LABs for their biological control.
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26
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Wei J, Fei Z, Pan G, Weiss LM, Zhou Z. Current Therapy and Therapeutic Targets for Microsporidiosis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:835390. [PMID: 35356517 PMCID: PMC8959712 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.835390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular, spore-forming parasitic fungi which are grouped with the Cryptomycota. They are both opportunistic pathogens in humans and emerging veterinary pathogens. In humans, they cause chronic diarrhea in immune-compromised patients and infection is associated with increased mortality. Besides their role in pébrine in sericulture, which was described in 1865, the prevalence and severity of microsporidiosis in beekeeping and aquaculture has increased markedly in recent decades. Therapy for these pathogens in medicine, veterinary, and agriculture has become a recent focus of attention. Currently, there are only a few commercially available antimicrosporidial drugs. New therapeutic agents are needed for these infections and this is an active area of investigation. In this article we provide a comprehensive summary of the current as well as several promising new agents for the treatment of microsporidiosis including: albendazole, fumagillin, nikkomycin, orlistat, synthetic polyamines, and quinolones. Therapeutic targets which could be utilized for the design of new drugs are also discussed including: tubulin, type 2 methionine aminopeptidase, polyamines, chitin synthases, topoisomerase IV, triosephosphate isomerase, and lipase. We also summarize reports on the utility of complementary and alternative medicine strategies including herbal extracts, propolis, and probiotics. This review should help facilitate drug development for combating microsporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhihui Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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27
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Willis AR, Reinke AW. Factors That Determine Microsporidia Infection and Host Specificity. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:91-114. [PMID: 35544000 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large phylum of obligate intracellular parasites that infect an extremely diverse range of animals and protists. In this chapter, we review what is currently known about microsporidia host specificity and what factors influence microsporidia infection. Extensive sampling in nature from related hosts has provided insight into the host range of many microsporidia species. These field studies have been supported by experiments conducted in controlled laboratory environments which have helped to demonstrate host specificity. Together, these approaches have revealed that, while examples of generalist species exist, microsporidia specificity is often narrow, and species typically infect one or several closely related hosts. For microsporidia to successfully infect and complete their life cycle within a compatible host, several steps must occur, including spore germination, host cell invasion, and proliferation of the parasite within the host tissue. Many factors influence infection, including temperature, seasonality, nutrient availability, and the presence or absence of microbes, as well as the developmental stage, sex, and genetics of the host. Several studies have identified host genomic regions that influence resistance to microsporidia, and future work is likely to uncover molecular mechanisms of microsporidia host specificity in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Willis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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28
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Ugolini L, Cilia G, Pagnotta E, Malaguti L, Capano V, Guerra I, Zavatta L, Albertazzi S, Matteo R, Lazzeri L, Righetti L, Nanetti A. Glucosinolate Bioactivation by Apis mellifera Workers and Its Impact on Nosema ceranae Infection at the Colony Level. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1657. [PMID: 34827655 PMCID: PMC8615805 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian fungus Nosema ceranae represents one of the primary bee infection threats worldwide and the antibiotic fumagillin is the only registered product for nosemosis disease control, while few alternatives are, at present, available. Natural bioactive compounds deriving from the glucosinolate-myrosinase system (GSL-MYR) in Brassicaceae plants, mainly isothiocyanates (ITCs), are known for their antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogens and for their health-protective effects in humans. This work explored the use of Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa defatted seed meal (DSM) GSL-containing diets against natural Nosema infection in Apis mellifera colonies. DSM patties from each plant species were obtained by adding DSMs to sugar candy at the concentration of 4% (w/w). The feeding was administered in May to mildly N. ceranae-infected honey bee colonies for four weeks at the dose of 250 g/week. In the treated groups, no significant effects on colony development and bee mortality were observed compared to the negative controls. The N. ceranae abundance showed a slight but significant decrease. Furthermore, the GSL metabolism in bees was investigated, and MYR hydrolytic activity was qualitatively searched in isolated bee midgut and hindgut. Interestingly, MYR activity was detected both in the bees fed DSMs and in the control group where the bees did not receive DSMs. In parallel, ITCs were found in gut tissues from the bees treated with DSMs, corroborating the presence of a MYR-like enzyme capable of hydrolyzing ingested GSLs. On the other hand, GSLs and other GSL hydrolysis products other than ITCs, such as nitriles, were found in honey produced by the treated bees, potentially increasing the health value of the final product for human consumption. The results are indicative of a specific effect on the N. ceranae infection in managed honey bee colonies depending on the GSL activation within the target organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Ugolini
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (L.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Giovanni Cilia
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (V.C.); (I.G.); (L.Z.); (S.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (L.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Lorena Malaguti
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (L.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Vittorio Capano
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (V.C.); (I.G.); (L.Z.); (S.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Irene Guerra
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (V.C.); (I.G.); (L.Z.); (S.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Laura Zavatta
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (V.C.); (I.G.); (L.Z.); (S.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Sergio Albertazzi
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (V.C.); (I.G.); (L.Z.); (S.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Roberto Matteo
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (L.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Luca Lazzeri
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (L.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Righetti
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (L.M.); (R.M.); (L.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Antonio Nanetti
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (V.C.); (I.G.); (L.Z.); (S.A.); (A.N.)
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29
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Chaimanee V, Kasem A, Nuanjohn T, Boonmee T, Siangsuepchart A, Malaithong W, Sinpoo C, Disayathanoowat T, Pettis JS. Natural extracts as potential control agents for Nosema ceranae infection in honeybees, Apis mellifera. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 186:107688. [PMID: 34728218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nosema disease is one factor that can cause colony decline in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) worldwide. Nosema ceranae has outcompeted Nosema apis in the Western honeybee (A. mellifera) which is its original host. Fumagilin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control Nosema infection but currently it is forbidden in many countries. In this study, 12 plant extracts were evaluated for their toxicity to adult bees and antimicrosporidian activity under laboratory and field conditions. N. ceranae-infected adult bees were fed ad libitum with 50% sucrose solution containing 1% and 5% (w/v) of each plant extract. Bee mortality in N. ceranae-infected groups fed with plant extracts was higher than that in the control group treated with fumagilin. The results demonstrated that 9 of 12 extracts had high antimicrosporidian activity against N. ceranae and their efficacies were comparable to fumagilin. Spore reduction in infected bees was 4-6 fold less after extract treatment. Following laboratory screening, Annona squamosa, Ocimum basilicum, Psidium guajava and Syzygium jambos were tested in honeybee colonies. Plant extracts of 2% concentration (w/v) inhibited the development of Nosema spores after 30 days of treatment. At the end of experiment (90 days), spores in the plant extract treated groups were lower than in group treated with fumagilin but there was no significant difference. Although, extracts tested in this study showed high toxicity to bee in laboratory cages, they did not show negative affects on bees under whole colony conditions. Therefore, the effectiveness of plant extracts tested in this study was notable and warrants further study as potential Nosema control agents in honey bees. Plant extracts would offer a non-antibiotic alternative for Nosema control and help reduce the overuse of antibiotics in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veeranan Chaimanee
- Department of Agro-Industrial Biotechnology, Maejo University Phrae Campus, Rong Kwang, Phrae 54140, Thailand.
| | - Aticha Kasem
- Department of Agro-Industrial Biotechnology, Maejo University Phrae Campus, Rong Kwang, Phrae 54140, Thailand
| | - Tananya Nuanjohn
- Department of Agro-Industrial Biotechnology, Maejo University Phrae Campus, Rong Kwang, Phrae 54140, Thailand
| | - Thummanoon Boonmee
- Department of Agro-Industrial Biotechnology, Maejo University Phrae Campus, Rong Kwang, Phrae 54140, Thailand
| | - Apiradee Siangsuepchart
- Department of Agro-Industrial Biotechnology, Maejo University Phrae Campus, Rong Kwang, Phrae 54140, Thailand
| | - Worasin Malaithong
- Department of Animal Production, Maejo University Phrae Campus, Rong Kwang, Phrae 54140, Thailand
| | - Chainarong Sinpoo
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Terd Disayathanoowat
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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30
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Huntsman EM, Cho RM, Kogan HV, McNamara-Bordewick NK, Tomko RJ, Snow JW. Proteasome Inhibition Is an Effective Treatment Strategy for Microsporidia Infection in Honey Bees. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1600. [PMID: 34827599 PMCID: PMC8615682 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia Nosema ceranae is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes honey bee mortality and contributes to colony collapse. Fumagillin is presently the only pharmacological control for N. ceranae infections in honey bees. Resistance is already emerging, and alternative controls are critically needed. Nosema spp. exhibit increased sensitivity to heat shock, a common proteotoxic stress. Thus, we hypothesized that targeting the Nosema proteasome, the major protease removing misfolded proteins, might be effective against N. ceranae infections in honey bees. Nosema genome analysis and molecular modeling revealed an unexpectedly compact proteasome apparently lacking multiple canonical subunits, but with highly conserved proteolytic active sites expected to be receptive to FDA-approved proteasome inhibitors. Indeed, N. ceranae were strikingly sensitive to pharmacological disruption of proteasome function at doses that were well tolerated by honey bees. Thus, proteasome inhibition is a novel candidate treatment strategy for microsporidia infection in honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Huntsman
- Biology Department, Barnard College, New York, NY 10027, USA; (E.M.H.); (R.M.C.); (H.V.K.); (N.K.M.-B.)
| | - Rachel M. Cho
- Biology Department, Barnard College, New York, NY 10027, USA; (E.M.H.); (R.M.C.); (H.V.K.); (N.K.M.-B.)
| | - Helen V. Kogan
- Biology Department, Barnard College, New York, NY 10027, USA; (E.M.H.); (R.M.C.); (H.V.K.); (N.K.M.-B.)
| | | | - Robert J. Tomko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA;
| | - Jonathan W. Snow
- Biology Department, Barnard College, New York, NY 10027, USA; (E.M.H.); (R.M.C.); (H.V.K.); (N.K.M.-B.)
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Effects of Agaricus bisporus Mushroom Extract on Honey Bees Infected with Nosema ceranae. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100915. [PMID: 34680684 PMCID: PMC8541333 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Nosema ceranae affects honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) causing nosemosis disease that often induces serious problems in apiculture. Antibiotic fumagillin is the only licenced treatment against nosemosis, but its effectiveness is questioned and its usage associated with risk of bee mortality and appearance of residues in bee products. In search for alternative treatment for the control of nosemosis, water crude extract of Agaricus bisporus was tested on bees in laboratory (cage) experiments. Bee survival and food consumption were monitored together with Nosema infection level and expression of five genes (abaecin, hymenoptaecin, defensin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin) were evaluated in bees sampled on days 7 and 15. Apart from the gene for defensin, the expression of all tested genes was up-regulated in bees supplemented with A. bisporus extract. Both anti-Nosema and immune protective effects of A. bisporus extract were observed when supplementation started at the moment of N. ceranae infection or preventively (before or simultaneously with the Nosema infection). Abstract Agaricus bisporus water crude extract was tested on honey bees for the first time. The first part of the cage experiment was set for selecting one concentration of the A. bisporus extract. Concentration of 200 µg/g was further tested in the second part of the experiment where bee survival and food consumption were monitored together with Nosema infection level and expression of five genes (abaecin, hymenoptaecin, defensin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin) that were evaluated in bees sampled on days 7 and 15. Survival rate of Nosema-infected bees was significantly greater in groups fed with A. bisporus-enriched syrup compared to those fed with a pure sucrose syrup. Besides, the anti-Nosema effect of A. bisporus extract was greatest when applied from the third day which coincides with the time of infection with N. ceranae. Daily food consumption did not differ between the groups indicating good acceptability and palatability of the extract. A. bisporus extract showed a stimulative effect on four out of five monitored genes. Both anti-Nosema and nutrigenomic effects of A. bisporus extract were observed when supplementation started at the moment of N. ceranae infection or preventively (before or simultaneously with the infection).
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Effect of feeding chitosan or peptidoglycan on Nosema ceranae infection and gene expression related to stress and the innate immune response of honey bees (Apis mellifera). J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 185:107671. [PMID: 34563551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite that causes nosema disease, an infection of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) midgut. Two pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), chitosan and peptidoglycan, and N. ceranae spores were fed to worker bees in sucrose syrup and compared to non-inoculated and N. ceranae-inoculated bees without PAMPs. Both chitosan and peptidoglycan significantly increased bee survivorship and reduced spore numbers due to N. ceranae infection. To determine if these results were related to changes in health status, expression of the immune-related genes, hymenoptaecin and defensin2, and the stress tolerance-related gene, blue cheese, was compared to that of control bees. Compared to the inoculated control, bees with the dose of chitosan that significantly reduced N. ceranae spore numbers showed lower expression of hymenoptaecin and defensin2 early after infection, higher expression mid-infection of defensin2 and lower expression of all three genes late in infection. In contrast, higher expression of defensin2 early in the infection and all three genes late in the infection was observed with peptidoglycan treatment. Changes late in the parasite multiplication stage when mature spores would be released from ruptured host cells are less likely to have contributed to reduced spore production. Based on these results, it is concluded that feeding bees chitosan or peptidoglycan can reduce N. ceranae infection, which is at least partially related to altering the health of the bee by inducing immune and stress-related gene expression.
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Zhang Y, Su M, Wang L, Huang S, Su S, Huang WF. Vairimorpha ( Nosema) ceranae Infection Alters Honey Bee Microbiota Composition and Sustains the Survival of Adult Honey Bees. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10090905. [PMID: 34571782 PMCID: PMC8464679 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The gut microbiota, in addition to the hosts and the pathogens, has become the third factor involved in gut disease developments, including honey bees. Interestingly, various studies reported positive associations between the gut bacteria and the most commonly found microsporidian pathogen instead of negative associations. To investigate the positive associations, a prebiotic that also exists in honey was added in the trials. Bees fed the prebiotics have slightly higher pathogen counts but lower mortalities. Microbiota analyses suggested that bees with the infection have a microbiota composition similar to that of bees with a longer lifespan, and the prebiotic seemed to enhance the similarities. Since microsporidia typically cause chronic infections, the positive associations may serve to sustain the host lifespans which is the optimal outcome for the pathogen that the survived bees can withstand pathogen proliferation and transmit the pathogens. Although the mechanisms underlying the associations were not revealed, this study indicated that nosema disease management in bees through changes in microbiota may shorten the lifespans or enhance both the infection and the bee population. Such results have appeared in recent field studies. More studies will be needed for the disease management using bee gut microbiota. Abstract Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae is the most common eukaryotic gut pathogen in honey bees. Infection is typically chronic but may result in mortality. Gut microbiota is a factor that was recently noted for gut infectious disease development. Interestingly, studies identified positive, instead of negative, associations between core bacteria of honey bee microbiota and V. ceranae infection. To investigate the effects of the positive associations, we added isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a prebiotic sugar also found in honey, to enhance the positive associations, and we then investigated the infection and the gut microbiota alterations using qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that infected bees fed IMO had significantly higher V. ceranae spore counts but lower mortalities. In microbiota comparisons, V. ceranae infections alone significantly enhanced the overall microbiota population in the honey bee hindgut and feces; all monitored core bacteria significantly increased in the quantities but not all in the population ratios. The microbiota alterations caused by the infection were enhanced with IMO, and these alterations were similar to the differences found in bees that naturally have longer lifespans. Although our results did not clarify the causations of the positive associations between the infections and microbiota, the associations seemed to sustain the host survival and benefit the pathogen. Enhancing indigenous gut microbe to control nosema disease may result in an increment of bee populations but not the control of the pathogen. This interaction between the pathogen and microbiota potentially enhances disease transmission and avoids the social immune responses that diseased bees die prematurely to curb the disease from spreading within colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Zhang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Meiling Su
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Long Wang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Shaokang Huang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
- Fujian Honey Bee Biology Observation Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Wei-Fone Huang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
- Fujian Honey Bee Biology Observation Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence:
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Braglia C, Alberoni D, Porrini MP, Garrido PM, Baffoni L, Di Gioia D. Screening of Dietary Ingredients against the Honey Bee Parasite Nosema ceranae. Pathogens 2021; 10:1117. [PMID: 34578150 PMCID: PMC8466614 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a major pathogen in the beekeeping sector, responsible for nosemosis. This disease is hard to manage since its symptomatology is masked until a strong collapse of the colony population occurs. Conversely, no medicaments are available in the market to counteract nosemosis, and only a few feed additives, with claimed antifungal action, are available. New solutions are strongly required, especially based on natural methods alternative to veterinary drugs that might develop resistance or strongly pollute honey bees and the environment. This study aims at investigating the nosemosis antiparasitic potential of some plant extracts, microbial fermentation products, organic acids, food chain waste products, bacteriocins, and fungi. Honey bees were singularly infected with 5 × 104 freshly prepared N. ceranae spores, reared in cages and fed ad libitum with sugar syrup solution containing the active ingredient. N. ceranae in the gut of honey bees was estimated using qPCR. The results showed that some of the ingredients administered, such as acetic acid at high concentration, p-coumaric acid, and Saccharomyces sp. strain KIA1, were effective in the control of nosemosis. On the other hand, wine acetic acid strongly increased the N. ceranae amount. This study investigates the possibility of using compounds such as organic acids or biological agents including those at the base of the circular economy, i.e., wine waste production, in order to improve honeybee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Braglia
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (L.B.); (D.D.G.)
| | - Daniele Alberoni
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (L.B.); (D.D.G.)
| | - Martin Pablo Porrini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata-CONICET-UNMdP-CIC-PBA, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata Zc 7600, Argentina; (M.P.P.); (P.M.G.)
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS), FCEyN, UNMdP, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata Zc 7600, Argentina
| | - Paula Melisa Garrido
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata-CONICET-UNMdP-CIC-PBA, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata Zc 7600, Argentina; (M.P.P.); (P.M.G.)
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS), FCEyN, UNMdP, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata Zc 7600, Argentina
| | - Loredana Baffoni
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (L.B.); (D.D.G.)
| | - Diana Di Gioia
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (L.B.); (D.D.G.)
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Hsu CK, Wang DY, Wu MC. A Potential Fungal Probiotic Aureobasidium melanogenum CK-CsC for the Western Honey Bee, Apis mellifera. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:508. [PMID: 34202244 PMCID: PMC8306588 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aureobasidium melanogenum has been used as an animal feed additive for improving thehealth of pets, however, it has not yet been applied in honey bees. Here, a fungal strain CK-CsC isolated from bee bread pollen, was identified as A. melanogenum. Following characterizing CK-CsC fermentation broth, the 4-days fermentation broth (SYM medium or bee pollen) of the CK-CsC was used to feed newly emerged adult honey bees in cages under laboratory-controlled conditions for analysis of survival, gene expression of nutrient and antibacterial peptide, and gut microbiota of honey bees. It was found that the CK-CsC fermentation broth (SYM medium or bee pollen) is nontoxic to honey bees, and can regularly increase nutrient gene expression of honey bees. However, significant mortality of bees was observed after bees were fed on the supernatant liquid of the fermentation broth. Notably, this mortality can be lowered by the simultaneous consumption of bee pollen. The honey bees that were fed bee pollen exhibited more γ-Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, and Actinobacteria in their gut flora than did the honey bees fed only crude supernatant liquid extract. These findings indicate that A. melanogenum CK-CsC has high potential as a bee probiotic when it was fermented with bee pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ming-Cheng Wu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (C.-K.H.); (D.-Y.W.)
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Naree S, Ponkit R, Chotiaroonrat E, Mayack CL, Suwannapong G. Propolis Extract and Chitosan Improve Health of Nosema ceranae Infected Giant Honey Bees, Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1793. Pathogens 2021; 10:785. [PMID: 34206455 PMCID: PMC8308750 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a large contributing factor to the most recent decline in honey bee health worldwide. Developing new alternative treatments against N. ceranae is particularly pressing because there are few treatment options available and therefore the risk of increased antibiotic resistance is quite high. Recently, natural products have demonstrated to be a promising avenue for finding new effective treatments against N. ceranae. We evaluated the effects of propolis extract of stingless bee, Tetrigona apicalis and chito-oligosaccharide (COS) on giant honey bees, Apis dorsata, experimentally infected with N. ceranae to determine if these treatments could improve the health of the infected individuals. Newly emerged Nosema-free bees were individually inoculated with 106N. ceranae spores per bee. We fed infected and control bees the following treatments consisting of 0%, 50%, propolis extracts, 0 ppm and 0.5 ppm COS in honey solution (w/v). Propolis extracts and COS caused a significant increase in trehalose levels in hemolymph, protein contents, survival rates and acini diameters of the hypopharyngeal glands in infected bees. Our results suggest that propolis and COS could improve the health of infected bees. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for the improved health of the infected bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchai Naree
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Rujira Ponkit
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Evada Chotiaroonrat
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Christopher L. Mayack
- Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Guntima Suwannapong
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
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Nosema ceranae Infections in Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera) Treated with Pre/Probiotics and Impacts on Colonies in the Field. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8060107. [PMID: 34200566 PMCID: PMC8226692 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8060107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternatives to the antibiotic fumagillin for the control of Nosema ceranae, a gut parasite of the honey bee, are needed. The prebiotics eugenol, chitosan, and naringenin and the probiotic Protexin® (Enterococcus faecium) provided in sugar syrup or protein patty either in spring or fall were evaluated for their effects on N. ceranae infection, colony population, honey yield and winter survivorship using field colonies. In the first year, spring treatments with eugenol, naringenin, and Protexin® significantly reduced N. ceranae infection and increased honey production, while Protexin® also increased adult bee populations and chitosan was ineffective. Fall treatments increased survivorship and decreased N. ceranae infection the following spring. In the second year, selected compounds were further tested with a larger number of colonies per treatment and only protein patty used in the spring and sugar syrup in the fall. Protexin® and naringenin significantly decreased N. ceranae infections and increased the population of adult bees after spring treatment, but did not affect honey yields. There were no differences between treatments for colony winter mortality, but surviving colonies that had been treated with Protexin® and naringenin were significantly more populated and had lower N. ceranae spore counts than control, non-treated colonies. Protexin® and naringenin were the most promising candidates for controlling N. ceranae and promoting honey bee populations, warranting further investigation. Future research should investigate the optimal colony dose and treatment frequency to maximize colony health.
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Seed Meals from Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa Control Artificial Nosema ceranae Infections in Apis mellifera. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050949. [PMID: 33924845 PMCID: PMC8146933 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a widespread parasite responsible for nosemosis Type C in Apis mellifera honey bees, reducing colony survival. The antibiotic fumagillin is the only commercial treatment available, but concerns are emerging about its persistence, safety, and pathogen resistance. The use of natural substances from Brassicaceae defatted seed meals (DSMs) with known antimicrobial and antioxidant properties was explored. Artificially infected bees were fed for 8 days with candies enriched with two concentrations, 2% and 4%, of two DSMs from Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa, containing a known amount of different glucosinolates (GSLs). The food palatability, GSL intake, bee survival, and treatment effects on N. ceranae spore counts were evaluated. Food consumption was higher for the two 2% DSM patties, for both B. nigra and E. sativa, but the GSL intake did not increase by increasing DSM to 4%, due to the resulting lower palatability. The 2% B. nigra patty decreased the bee mortality, while the higher concentration had a toxic effect. The N. ceranae control was significant for all formulates with respect to the untreated control (312,192.6 +/- 14,443.4 s.e.), and was higher for 4% B. nigra (120,366.3 +/- 13,307.1 s.e.). GSL hydrolysis products, the isothiocyanates, were detected and quantified in bee gut tissues. Brassicaceae DSMs showed promising results for their nutraceutical and protective effects on bees artificially infected with N. ceranae spores at the laboratory level. Trials in the field should confirm these results.
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