STUDY OF MICROFLORA OF HONEYBEE APIS MELLIFERA L. TO ASSESS IT AS A POSSIBLE CARRIER OF PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

T. P. Popova, A. B. Gencheva

Abstract: Microbiological tests of specimens of honeybee Apis mellifera L. from the region of Sofia, as well as of honeycomb were carried out. Four species of microorganisms were isolated: Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus brevis, Enterococcus hirae and Aspergillus fumigatus (Fresenius). Gram-negative bacteria, as well as aerobic and spore-forming species were not found. From the surface of the studied bees and from the honeycomb were isolated only bacteria - Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus brevis and Enterococcus hirae. The microflora of the digestive tract is presented by Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus brevis and Aspergillus fumigatus (Fresenius).
The isolated bacteria from the tested materials are not pathogenic for humans and animals, which demonstrates that the honeybees and their products are not carriers of infections. This is an indication that the prophylactic and therapeutic use of bee products does not carry risk of infection to consumers.

Keywords: honeybee Apis mellifera; microflora

Date published: 2017-04-18