Bacteriophage biodistribution and infectivity from honeybee to bee larvae using a T7 phage model.

ABSTRACT: Bacteriophages (phages) or viruses that specifically infect bacteria have widely been studied as biocontrol agents against animal and plant bacterial diseases. They offer many advantages compared to antibiotics. The American Foulbrood (AFB) is a bacterial disease affecting honeybee larvae caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Phages can be very significant in fighting it mostly due to European restrictions to the use of antibiotics in beekeeping. New phages able to control P. larvae in hives have already been reported with satisfactory results. However, the efficacy and feasibility of administering phages indirectly to larvae through their adult workers only by providing phages in bees' feeders has never been evaluated. This strategy is considered herein the most feasible as far as hive manageme

SUBMITTER: Ribeiro HG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6345884 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature