Honey bee gut bacteria carry resistance genes nationwide
Gregory CL, Radja K, Haak DC, Bradford EL, Fell RD
Pollinators
The bees pollinating your tomatoes, squash, and fruit trees are quietly accumulating antibiotic resistance genes, and their gut health underpins the pollination services your whole garden depends on.
Researchers checked the gut bacteria of honey bees from 13 different bee yards spanning the country, from Washington state to Virginia. They found dozens of different antibiotic resistance genes in nearly every hive, including some resistance types that don't match any antibiotic beekeepers actually use on their bees. Two particular bacteria types, Gilliamella and Frischella, seemed to be hotspots for carrying these resistance genes even though they aren't the most common bacteria in the bee gut.
Key Findings
Detected 55 unique antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance to 14 antibiotic classes across 13 apiaries, including 11 genes for multidrug resistance
Tetracycline resistance genes tetB and tetM were present in every hive sampled, with tetB abundance declining from Washington to Virginia
Gilliamella and Frischella bacterial genera held the highest proportion of resistance genes despite being low-abundance members of the bee gut community
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists found antibiotic resistance genes in the gut bacteria of honey bees across 13 apiaries from Washington to Virginia, showing that resistance has spread widely even in bees that may never have been treated with antibiotics directly.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
A metagenomic survey reveals widespread antibiotic resistance genes in honey bee (Apis mellifera) gut bacteria across the United States.
Antibiotic use has contributed to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) accumulating in many environments, including host-associated microbiomes. Managed honey bee gut bacteria may accumulate ARGs, as...
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