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Narciso L, Topini M, Ferraiuolo S, Ianiro G, Marianelli C. Effects of natural treatments on the varroa mite infestation levels and overall health of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302846. [PMID: 38713668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The survival of the honey bee (Apis mellifera), which has a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem maintenance, is threatened by many pathogens, including parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses. The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is considered the major cause of the worldwide decline in honey bee colony health. Although several synthetic acaricides are available to control Varroa infestations, resistant mites and side effects on bees have been documented. The development of natural alternatives for mite control is therefore encouraged. The study aims at exploring the effects of cinnamon and oregano essential oils (EOs) and of a mixed fruit cocktail juice on mite infestation levels and bee colony health. A multi-method study including hive inspection, mite count, molecular detection of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, analysis of defensin-1, hymenoptaecin and vitellogenin immune gene expression, colony density and honey production data, was conducted in a 20-hive experimental apiary. The colonies were divided into five groups: four treatment groups and one control group. The treatment groups were fed on a sugar syrup supplemented with cinnamon EO, oregano EO, a 1:1 mixture of both EOs, or a juice cocktail. An unsupplemented syrup was, instead, used to feed the control group. While V. destructor affected all the colonies throughout the study, no differences in mite infestation levels, population density and honey yield were observed between treatment and control groups. An overexpression of vitellogenin was instead found in all EO-treated groups, even though a significant difference was only found in the group treated with the 1:1 EO mixture. Viral (DWV, CBPV and BQCV), fungal (Nosema ceranae) and bacterial (Melissococcus plutonius) pathogens from both symptomatic and asymptomatic colonies were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Narciso
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Topini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Ferraiuolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marianelli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Bava R, Castagna F, Ruga S, Nucera S, Caminiti R, Serra M, Bulotta RM, Lupia C, Marrelli M, Conforti F, Statti G, Domenico B, Palma E. Plants and Their Derivatives as Promising Therapeutics for Sustainable Control of Honeybee ( Apis mellifera) Pathogens. Pathogens 2023; 12:1260. [PMID: 37887776 PMCID: PMC10610010 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101260] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The most important pollinator for agricultural crops is the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera). During the winter and summer seasons, diseases and stresses of various kinds endanger honeybee numbers and production, resulting in expenses for beekeepers and detrimental effects on agriculture and ecosystems. Researchers are continually in search of therapies for honeybees using the resources of microbiology, molecular biology, and chemistry to combat diseases and improve the overall health of these important pollinating insects. Among the most investigated and most promising solutions are medicinal plants and their derivatives. The health of animals and their ability to fight disease can be supported by natural products (NPs) derived from living organisms such as plants and microbes. NPs contain substances that can reduce the effects of diseases by promoting immunity or directly suppressing pathogens, and parasites. This literature review summarises the advances that the scientific community has achieved over the years regarding veterinary treatments in beekeeping through the use of NPs. Their impact on the prevention and control of honeybee diseases is investigated both in trials that have been conducted in the laboratory and field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Saverio Nucera
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Maria Serra
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Rosa Maria Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Carmine Lupia
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Sersale (CZ), 88054 Catanzaro, Italy;
- National Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Castelluccio Superiore, 85040 Potenza, Italy
| | - Mariangela Marrelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Filomena Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Giancarlo Statti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Britti Domenico
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (M.S.); (R.M.B.); (B.D.); (E.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FISH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Nutramed S.c.a.r.l., Complesso Ninì Barbieri, Roccelletta di Borgia, 88021 Catanzaro, Italy
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Bava R, Castagna F, Palma E, Marrelli M, Conforti F, Musolino V, Carresi C, Lupia C, Ceniti C, Tilocca B, Roncada P, Britti D, Musella V. Essential Oils for a Sustainable Control of Honeybee Varroosis. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050308. [PMID: 37235392 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Varroa destructor parasite is the main obstacle to the survival of honey bee colonies. Pest control mainly involves the use of synthetic drugs which, used with the right criteria and in rotation, are able to ensure that infestation levels are kept below the damage threshold. Although these drugs are easy to use and quick to apply, they have numerous disadvantages. Their prolonged use has led to the emergence of pharmacological resistance in treated parasite populations; furthermore, the active ingredients and/or their metabolites accumulate in the beehive products with the possibility of risk for the end consumer. Moreover, the possibility of subacute and chronic toxicity phenomena for adult honeybees and their larval forms must be considered. In this scenario, eco-friendly products derived from plant species have aroused great interest over the years. In recent decades, several studies have been carried out on the acaricidal efficacy of plant essential oils (EOs). Despite the swarming of laboratory and field studies, however, few EO products have come onto the market. Laboratory studies have often yielded different results even for the same plant species. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the various study techniques employed as well as in the variability of the chemical compositions of plants. The purpose of this review is to take stock of the research on the use of EOs to control the V. destructor parasite. It begins with an extensive discussion of the characteristics, properties, and mechanisms of action of EOs, and then examines the laboratory and field tests carried out. Finally, an attempt is made to standardize the results and open up new lines of study in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FISH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Nutramed S.c.a.r.l., Complesso Ninì Barbieri, Roccelletta di Borgia, 88021 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariangela Marrelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Filomena Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Musolino
- Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FISH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FISH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmine Lupia
- Mediterranean Etnobotanical Conservatory, Sersale (CZ), 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
- National Etnobotanical Conservatory, Castelluccio Superiore, 85040 Potenza, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ceniti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Bruno Tilocca
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paola Roncada
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Modified Mycotoxins, a Still Unresolved Issue. CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/chemistry4040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous microfungi on almost every agricultural commodity worldwide. After the infection of crop plants, mycotoxins are modified by plant enzymes or other fungi and often conjugated to more polar substances, like sugars. The formed—often less toxic—metabolites are stored in the vacuole in soluble form or bound to macromolecules. As these substances are usually not detected during routine analysis and no maximum limits are in force, they are called modified mycotoxins. While, in most cases, modified mycotoxins have lower intrinsic toxicity, they might be reactivated during mammalian metabolism. In particular, the polar group might be cleaved off (e.g., by intestinal bacteria), releasing the native mycotoxin. This review aims to provide an overview of the critical issues related to modified mycotoxins. The main conclusion is that analytical aspects, toxicological evaluation, and exposure assessment merit more investigation.
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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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Pusceddu M, Floris I, Mangia NP, Angioni A, Satta A. In Vitro Activity of Several Essential Oils Extracted from Aromatic Plants against Ascosphaera apis. Vet Sci 2021; 8:80. [PMID: 34068642 PMCID: PMC8150519 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8050080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of natural substances such as essentials oils against bee pathogens is of great interest as an alternative to traditional methods based on synthetic compounds like antibiotics and fungicides, in order to minimize the risk of having toxic residues in hive products and to prevent the development of resistance phenomena. This study evaluated the inhibitory, fungicidal and sporicidal activity of ten essential oils extracted from aromatic plants against Ascosphaera apis, the etiological agent of chalkbrood, an invasive honey bee mycosis. The most effective essential oils were Thymus herba-barona, Thymus capitatus and Cinnamomum zeylanicum, which showed values of minimum fungicidal concentration and minimum sporicidal concentration ranging from 200 to 400 ppm. Carvacrol was the main component of Thymus capitatus and Thymus herba-barona oils, whereas cinnamic aldehyde prevailed in Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil. Further in-apiary studies will allow the evaluation of side effects on bees and residues in hive products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelina Pusceddu
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.P.); (I.F.); (N.P.M.)
| | - Ignazio Floris
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.P.); (I.F.); (N.P.M.)
| | - Nicoletta P. Mangia
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.P.); (I.F.); (N.P.M.)
| | - Alberto Angioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Alberto Satta
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.P.); (I.F.); (N.P.M.)
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Berenbaum MR, Bush DS, Liao LH. Cytochrome P450-mediated mycotoxin metabolism by plant-feeding insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 43:85-91. [PMID: 33264684 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced primarily by filamentous fungi that when consumed cause pathological responses in animal hosts or consumers. Defined functionally rather than structurally, mycotoxins derive from numerous primary metabolic pathways. Through opportunistic or mutualistic associations, insect herbivores inflict damage that can predispose plants to infection by mycotoxin-producing phytopathogens, resulting in economically significant contamination. The few cytochrome P450 subfamilies implicated in mycotoxin detoxification by insects, including CYP6 and CYP9, are also known to detoxify phytochemicals. Some insect P450s bioactivate, rather than detoxify, mycotoxins, suggestive of an 'escalation' in arms-race interactions between these herbivores and fungi. Characterizing insect P450s that detoxify mycotoxins can be useful for developing biological remediation technologies and for ensuring the safety of insects reared for human or livestock consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- May R Berenbaum
- Dept. Entomology, 320 Morrill Hall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801-3795, USA.
| | - Daniel S Bush
- Dept. Entomology, 320 Morrill Hall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801-3795, USA
| | - Ling-Hsiu Liao
- Dept. Entomology, 320 Morrill Hall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801-3795, USA
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Tejerina MR, Cabana MJ, Benitez-Ahrendts MR. Strains of Lactobacillus spp. reduce chalkbrood in Apis mellifera. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 178:107521. [PMID: 33347864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Beekeeping activities have increased recently in Argentina, a country that is a major consumer of honey and other products from hives. With the advancement of monoculture areas in Argentina and worldwide, beekeepers move from one area to another in search of floral resources, thus spreading diseases such as chalkbrood, caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. Although there are few effective antifungals for the control of chalkbrood, different natural products have been investigated in recent years. Current research is focusing on the intestinal microbiota for the prevention of different pathogens and parasites. In this work, we analyzed the in vivo probiotic effect of three lactic acid bacteria (genus Lactobacillus spp.) isolated from pollen bread from apiaries of Jujuy province on A. apis strains from Spanish and Argentine provinces. Special hives were made for the assays, and a protective effect was observed in larvae of bees fed lactic acid bacteria added to sugar syrup at 105 CFU/mL concentrations, administered from May to September in two consecutive years. The results showed that the three lactic acid bacteria reduced larval mummification by percentages greater than 80%. Therefore, this work brings a first approximation of the in vivo probiotic effect of lactic bacteria against A. apis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Raúl Tejerina
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Sanidad apícola y Meliponícola, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Alberdi 47, 4600 Jujuy, Argentina; Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Bolivia 1239, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina.
| | - María José Cabana
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Sanidad apícola y Meliponícola, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Alberdi 47, 4600 Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Rafael Benitez-Ahrendts
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Sanidad apícola y Meliponícola, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Alberdi 47, 4600 Jujuy, Argentina; Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Bolivia 1239, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
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Ebani VV, Mancianti F. Use of Essential Oils in Veterinary Medicine to Combat Bacterial and Fungal Infections. Vet Sci 2020; 7:E193. [PMID: 33266079 PMCID: PMC7712454 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites of plants employed in folk medicine for a long time thanks to their multiple properties. In the last years, their use has been introduced in veterinary medicine, too. The study of the antibacterial properties of EOs is of increasing interest, because therapies with alternative drugs are welcome to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Other issues could be resolved by EOs employment, such as the presence of antibiotic residues in food of animal origin and in environment. Although the in vitro antimicrobial activity of EOs has been frequently demonstrated in studies carried out on bacterial and fungal strains of different origins, there is a lack of information about their effectiveness in treating infections in animals. The scientific literature reports some studies about in vitro EOs' activity against animal clinical bacterial and fungal isolates, but in vivo studies are very scanty. The use of EOs in therapy of companion and farm animals should follow careful studies on the toxicity of these natural products in relation to animal species and route of administration. Moreover, considering the different behavior of EOs in relation to both species and strain pathogen, before starting a therapy, an aromatogram should be executed to choose the oil with the best antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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CASTAGNINO GLB, MATEOS A, MEANA A, MONTEJO L, ZAMORANO ITURRALDE LV, CUTULI DE SIMÓN MT. Etiology, symptoms and prevention of chalkbrood disease: a literature review. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE E PRODUÇÃO ANIMAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-9940210332020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The fungus Ascosphaera apis, responsible for causing the chalkbrood disease of honey bees, is widely present in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, but has also spread to other regions of the world such as Brazil. Although it is not usually lethal for the colony, it can reduce its population, hampering its development. This study is a review on the disease that presents a broad overview of its development, identification methods as well as ways to control it. Research shows that chalkbrood is associated with several factors and is most frequently found in colonies of Apis bees during the spring, when there is excess humidity and sudden temperature changes in the hive. Other factors such as viral or bacterial infection, the presence of the ectoparasite Varroa destructor, pesticide poisoning and poor nutrition of nurse bees can also affect its incidence and severity. Field diagnosis is made based on the presence of hardened mummified brood in the pupal stage, of white or black color, in the cells and entrance. Affected cells show dead pupae covered with white mycelia, resembling cotton, or hardened, dry and brittle, resembling chalk pieces, which originated the name. To date, there are no efficient methods to reduce the damage caused by chalkbrood. Genetic selection of bees with higher hygienic behavior and disease resistance is recommended.
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Wiese N, Fischer J, Heidler J, Lewkowski O, Degenhardt J, Erler S. The terpenes of leaves, pollen, and nectar of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) inhibit growth of bee disease-associated microbes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14634. [PMID: 30279427 PMCID: PMC6168512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32849-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are highly prone to infectious diseases, causing colony losses in the worst case. However, they combat diseases through a combination of their innate immune system and social defence behaviours like foraging for health-enhancing plant products (e.g. nectar, pollen and resin). Plant secondary metabolites are not only highly active against bacteria and fungi, they might even enhance selective foraging and feeding decisions in the colony. Here, we tested six major plant terpenes and their corresponding acetates, characterizing six natural Thymus vulgaris chemotypes, for their antimicrobial activity on bacteria associated with European foulbrood. Comparison of the inhibitory activity revealed the highest activity for carvacrol and thymol whereas the acetates mostly did not inhibit bacterial growth. All terpenes and acetates are present in the nectar and pollen of thyme, with pollen containing concentrations higher by several orders of magnitude. The physiological response was tested on forager and freshly emerged bees by means of antennal electroantennography. Both responded much stronger to geraniol and trans-sabinene hydrate compared to carvacrol and thymol. In conclusion, bee-forageable thyme product terpenes (mainly from pollen) yield effective antibiotic activity by reducing the growth of bee disease-associated bacteria and can be detected with different response levels by the honey bees' antennae. This is a further step forward in understanding the complex pathogen-pollinator-plant network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Wiese
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Juliane Fischer
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Ecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06120, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Jenifer Heidler
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Ecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06120, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Oleg Lewkowski
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Ecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06120, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Jörg Degenhardt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Silvio Erler
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Ecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06120, Halle, Saale, Germany.
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