Monomorium ant is a carrier for pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria

Alharbi, Jenan S.; Alawadhi, Qaderya; Leather, Simon R.

doi:10.1186/s13104-019-4266-4

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Increases in BQCV and DWV titres in bees could indicate a viral spillback from Argentine ants. Ants are known to vector pathogens, such as human pathogens in hospitals [41] and kitchens [42]. Argentine ants could acquire viruses when entering infected beehives [27] and disperse them within hives and apiaries.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An invasive ant increases deformed wing virus loads in honey bees

2023

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The majority of invasive species are best known for their effects as predators. However, many introduced predators may also be substantial reservoirs for pathogens. Honey bee-associated viruses are found in various arthropod species including invasive ants. We examined how the globally invasive Argentine ant ( Linepithema humile ), which can reach high densities and infest beehives, is associated with pathogen dynamics in honey bees. Viral loads of deformed wing virus (DWV), which has been linked to millions of beehive deaths around the globe, and black queen cell virus significantly increased in bees when invasive ants were present. Microsporidian and trypanosomatid infections, which are more bee-specific, were not affected by ant invasion. The bee virome in autumn revealed that DWV was the predominant virus with the highest infection levels and that no ant-associated viruses were infecting bees. Viral spillback from ants could increase infections in bees. In addition, ant attacks could pose a significant stressor to bee colonies that may affect virus susceptibility. These viral dynamics are a hidden effect of ant pests, which could have a significant impact on disease emergence in this economically important pollinator. Our study highlights a perhaps overlooked effect of species invasions: changes in pathogen dynamics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An invasive ant increases deformed wing virus loads in honey bees

2023

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“…Many larger soil organisms can indirectly threaten human health as vectors of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes 22,62 . For example, the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis, and can multiply and spread inside Acanthamoeba spp.…”

Section: Negative Links Between Soil Biodiversity and Human Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Harnessing soil biodiversity to promote human health in cities

et al. 2023

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Biodiversity is widely linked to human health, however, connections between human health and soil biodiversity in urban environments remain poorly understood. Here, we stress that reductions in urban soil biodiversity elevate risks to human health, but soil biodiversity can improve human health through pathways including suppressing pathogens, remediating soil, shaping a beneficial human microbiome and promoting immune fitness. We argue that targeted enhancement of urban soil biodiversity could support human health, in both outdoor and indoor settings. The potential of enhanced urban soil biodiversity to benefit human health reflects an important yet understudied field of fundamental and applied research.

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A surgical site abscess caused by an ant bite on foot 7 years after mastectomy: A case report

Liu,

Wei,

et al. 2024

Clinical Case Reports

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Key Clinical MessageAbscess at a previous surgical site induced by an insect bite has rarely been reported. Here we report a case of abscess at the breast surgical site, which occurred 7 years after mastectomy following an ant bite.AbstractSurgical site abscess generally occurs following operation within 30 days. However, surgical site abscess induced by an insect bite, which occurs several years after surgery, has rarely been reported. Here, we report a 65‐year‐old female patient with a history of breast cancer presenting with an abscess at the site of her mastectomy and ipsilateral arm lymphedema. Her left foot was bitten by an ant 25 days earlier and itchy red bumps with whiteheads were raised. After antibiotic treatment and abscess incision and drainage, the abscess healed, but the ipsilateral arm lymphedema persisted. This unique case demonstrates that surgical procedures can alter the susceptibility of tissues to allergic or infectious cues long after the operation.

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Monomorium ant is a carrier for pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria

Cited by 8 publications

References 33 publications

An invasive ant increases deformed wing virus loads in honey bees

An invasive ant increases deformed wing virus loads in honey bees

Harnessing soil biodiversity to promote human health in cities

A surgical site abscess caused by an ant bite on foot 7 years after mastectomy: A case report

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