Screening the efficacy of different anti-biotics against American foulbrood in Jordan

Abstract EN

American foulbrood disease (AFB) is considered one of the most virulent bacterial diseases of honeybee (Apis mellifera); it has a vital negative impact on the beekeeping industry worldwide.

This disease is caused by a spore forming bacterium Peanibacillus larvae that affects honeybee larvae.

This work includes the screening of several alternative antibiotics efficacy to AFB disease.

The sensitivity of Peanibacillus larvae to seven antibiotics was investigated using disk diffusion methods (Kirby Bauer disk diffusion).

The tested compounds are approved by the US - Food and Drug Administration for agricultures uses.

The most active antibiotics were Novobiocin and Florfenicol followed by Oxytetracycline and Tylosin.

Erythromycin and Tilmicosin had intermediate activity; Lincomycin was recorded as the lowest active antibiotic against P.larvae.

The result showed that Oxytetracycline resistance is still not a problem in Jordan, unlike in the USA and some other regions.

To avoid any further problems in the spread of antibiotics-resistance, it is recommended that beekeepers have to establish methods for early detection of AFB, the application of antibiotics in inadequate doses with technical supervision and using of different alternative antibiotics such as Tylosin.

Further studies are needed to determine the fate of Oxytetracycline and Tylosin residues in honey under field conditions at the recommended doses for field trial, whoever we do not recommend the prophylactic use of antibiotics whereas we recommend the treatment only in diseased colonies with high honey bee population.