Natural strategies for the control of Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood in honey bees: a review

Abstract

American foulbrood (AFB) is a severe bacterial disease that affects larvae of honey bees (Apis mellifera). The causative agent of AFB is the spore-forming bacteria Paenibacillus larvae. The use of antibiotics for the control of AFB has led to the appearance of resistant bacterial strains and residues in beehive products. Nowadays, antibiotics are legally banned in several countries, and the affected colonies have to be destroyed by burning the hives. Therefore, the development of alternative methods for the control and prevention of AFB is necessary. In this context, different natural strategies based on the application of essential oils, plant extracts, propolis, royal jelly, nonconventional natural molecules, bacteria, and bacteriocines, have been studied in vitro and in vivo for the prevention and control of P. larvae. The experimental data achieved from these studies are reviewed and discussed in the present review, which intend to be a starting point for future research in the field.