Bioactive metabolites from autochthonous lactic acid bacteria inhibit the growth of Melissococcus plutonius, causal agent of European foulbrood disease in honey bees

Abstract

European foulbrood (EFB), a disease affecting larvae of honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), is caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Melissococcus plutonius corrig. (ex White) Bailey & Collins (Vasquez et al., 2012). Other secondary invaders like Paenibacillus alvei (Cheshire & Cheyne) Ash et al., Brevibacillus laterosporus (Laubach) Shida, and Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes & Horder) Schleifer & Kilpper-Bälz are also associated with EFB (Pietropaoli et al., 2022). This bacterial disease is responsible for honey bee colony decline and consequently

Evaluation of Functional Properties of Some Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains for Probiotic Applications in Apiculture

“…Although the 48 h culture supernatant showed inhibitory effects on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, P. aeruginosa was the most resistant. Other authors [ 103 ] reported that LAB strain metabolites, including L. plantarum , L. acidophilus , L. rhamnosus , L. apis , and P. acidilactici , were tested against M. plutonius , and the results showed high inhibition of the pathogen. Moreover, the mixture of the four most potent isolates within 96 h reduced M. plutonius survival to 0%.…”

LAB Antagonistic Activities and Their Significance in Food Biotechnology: Molecular Mechanisms, Food Targets, and Other Related Traits of Interest

“…The culture filtrate of this strain demonstrated its capacity to reduce mycotoxins and extend shelf life, using wheat grains as a food model. Moreover, a high concentration of acetic acid inhibits the growth of Melissococcus plutonius and can be used as a biocontrol agent for preventing European Foulbrood disease in honeybees [47]. Overall, organic acids remain a promising option for biopreservation, since they are considered safe for human consumption.…”