Antibiotics, enemies of bees. We know that the abuse of these substances is unhealthy for humans, but it is also unhealthy for these precious insects. In fact, according to new research, bees treated with a common antibiotic, tetracycline, risk dying within a few days.
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Antibiotics, enemies of bees. We know that abuse of these substances is unhealthy for humans, but it is also true for these precious insects. In fact, according to new research, bees treated with a common antibiotic, the tetracycline, risk dying within a few days.
To find out were the scientists ofUniversity of Texas at Austin according to which bees that came into contact with a common antibiotic were half as likely to survive as untreated bees. The discovery could have implications for both bee and human health.
The researchers were able to prove that the antibiotics cleaned the intestines of bees from precious bacteria, paving the way for a agent pathogen harmful. Yet another demonstration that antibiotic abuse can be dangerous.
Guided by the teacher, Nancy Moran and and from Kasie Raymann, the researchers found that after treatment with the antibiotic tetracycline, the bees had far fewer gut bacteria. The latter are very important because they help block pathogens by providing a natural defense against dangerous bacteria, break down toxins and promote the absorption of nutrients from food.
In addition, in bees treated with antibiotics, they found elevated levels of serratia, a pathogenic bacterium that affects humans as well as animals. This may have been the cause of the bee's loss of intestinal bacteria.
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"Our study suggests that disrupting the gut microbiome of bees is one factor, perhaps one of many, that could make them more susceptible to decline," Moran said. "Antibiotics may have been an underestimated factor."
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According to this study, overuse of antibiotics could increase the likelihood of pathogen infections.
"We are not suggesting abolishing the use of antibioticsMoran added. “Antibiotics save lives. We definitely need them but we have to be careful how we use them. ”.
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The study was published in PLoS Biology.
Francesca Mancuso
