Diagnostic methods, genetics and ecology of the American Foulbrood disease (AFB) in Switzerland

• Research unit: FSVO
• Project number: 1.03.05

Key words (German)

Foulbrood, Paenibacillus Larvae, Bacterial communities, Honeybee, Apis mellifera, Honey, Pollen, Propolis

Key words (English)

Foulbrood, Paenibacillus Larvae, Bacterial communities, Honeybee, Apis mellifera, Honey, Pollen, Propolis

Short description (English)

In this project we propose to examine a number of aspects involving beehive infestations by the bacteria Paenibacillus larvae subsp. Larvae, also called American Foulbrood (AFB). The AFB is a common and often lethal bacterial disease of bees in Switzerland. The main aim of our project is to increase our scientific knowledge of this pathogen in order to provide information on potential improvements for the management of this disease and reduce the costs associated with it. In a first step, we will review all the current PCR based diagnosis methods available and by using a cost-benefit analysis we will test and identify the most efficient one. We will also aim to establish a quantitative PCR method. By being in close contact with the Swiss bee inspectors we will obtain samples from infected hives. With the use of molecular techniques we will examine the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of AFB in Swiss hives. Although the AFB is a very common bee disease, little is currently known about its life cycle in infested hives. In order to determine some of the ecological factors shaping AFB dynamics we will design sampling procedures allowing to identify ecological traits associated with resistance or susceptibility to AFB in hives. In a final aspect we aim to explore the interactions between AFB and their bee hosts. By carrying out experimental infestations in the laboratory we will be able to examine which microbial and/or biochemical factors shape AFB virulence. We expect that results from our study will provide a better knowledge on the diagnostic and biology of this disease that could potentially pave the way for the development of new management procedures and treatment. At all steps of this project, we will inform the beekeepers, the inspectors and the veterinarians on the progress of this study that can have an importance for beekeeping. This project will develop a close collaboration between the University of Lausanne (Institute of Ecology), the bee research centre in Liebefeld (Centre de Recherches Apicoles, Bern) and the Institute Galli-Valerio (veterinary service from the canton de Vaud, Lausanne).

Project aims (English)

The project "Diagnostic methods, genetics and ecology of the American Foulbrood (AFB) disease in Switzerland " has the following aims:

- To inform the Swiss beekeepers and other people concerned with AFB control and beekeeping about the aims,
methods and potential applicability of our project.
- To test and to establish the most reliable, fast and cost efficient method for the diagnostic method. Setting up a
new quantitative PCR method.
- To determine the number of AFB strains, their genetic microdiversity, and potential origin of AFB strains infecting
Swiss beehives.
- To understand some of the factors associated with the development of the AFB disease in beehives.
- To determine whether the low degree of AFB virulence in adults results from an interaction between AFB and
other microorganisms or midgut secretions. Determination of potential microorganisms and/or secretions
responsible for this low virulence.

Publications / Results (French)

Related documents

• Datenblatt [PDF] 66 kB