ISSN: 2576-7771
Authors: Diriba M, Bedassa A*, Abreha B and Jemal J
A cross-sectional study conducted in Ethiopia from December 2021 to June 2022 investigated the prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in honeybee colonies in Holeta Town, West Shewa. Out of 200 honeybee samples analyzed using bacteriologic culture, biochemical, and PCR tests, 15 (7.5%) were positive for E. coli and 11 (5.5%) for S. enterica. Additionally, PCR targeting the invA gene detected S. enterica in 10 samples (5%). Notably, traditional hives showed higher rates of pathogen occurrence compared to modern colonies. None of the E. coli isolates exhibited virulence genes. The study found significant associations (P<0.05) between Salmonella isolation and factors such as feed supplement, water type, and colony collapse. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all E. coli and 63.6% of S. enterica isolates were resistant to Ampicillin, Clindamycin, and Penicillin. Conversely, all E. coli isolates were susceptible to Streptomycin, while only Streptomycin (100%) and Trimethoprim (63.6%) showed effectiveness against S. enterica. The findings suggest that management practices play a crucial role in honeybee health and pathogen contamination. Implementing modern hives and adopting good management practices including inspection, feeding, sanitation, and disease control are recommended to mitigate the impact of pathogens on honeybee colonies in the study area.
Keywords: E. coli; Honeybee Colony; Inva Gene; PCR; Salmonella
