A recent study has unveiled an innovative method for tracking the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in urban environments. Its secret tool? None other than the European honeybees, which serve as valuable biomonitoring agents.
The Study: An Overview
This extensive study discloses the unique role of European honeybees in gathering environmental data. These creatures essentially gather information from various urban elements such as soil, dust, air, water, and pollen during their foraging activities. Their short lifespan, approximately 4 weeks, makes them an excellent source of real-time environmental updates, particularly regarding antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have examined the gut bacteria of 144 bees and have discovered the presence of Class 1 integrons (intI1), which can be used as a universal marker for AMR tracking. Shockingly, about 52% of bees in urban areas carried intI1. This highlights the importance of these bees in assessing pollution levels that could potentially harm human health.
Eight bees from each of the 18 hives owned by citizen-scientist beekeepers in Greater Sydney, Australia were further analyzed. It was found that 80% of these bees tested positive for one or more AMR targets, with higher concentrations observed near bodies of water like dams and lakes.
About European Honeybees
European honeybees (Apis mellifera), also known as Western honey bees, are characterized by their two pairs of wings and distinct yellow stripes on their abdomen. They typically seek nesting spots in hollow trees or house walls. Despite their unclear status on the IUCN Red List, they play a substantial role in various ecosystems. They inhabit managed bee colonies across Europe, but there’s potential for feral and wild bee colonies in diverse habitats, including temperate forests, grasslands, and semi-deserts.
The Intricate Social Structure and Behaviour of Honeybees
Honeybees have a well-defined social structure consisting of queen bees (the fertile females), drones (males), and worker bees (sterile females with unique pollen-carrying hind legs). These bees interact through a sophisticated communication system called the “waggle dance” to convey information about food sources and hive conditions. Their hive construction is also indeed intricate, as they build detailed hexagonal honeycomb structures from beeswax to store honey and raise their young. More importantly, honeybees indirectly play a vital role in plant reproduction through pollination while foraging for nectar and pollen.
The Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, poses a global health threat. According to a United Nations Environment Programme report in February 2023, unchecked developments in AMR can result in up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. The proliferation of AMR can be attributed to various factors such as taking incorrect doses of antibiotics and using antibiotics in livestock farming.
The adoption of unexpected methods, like utilizing European honeybees as biomonitoring agents, is crucial in actively monitoring and addressing antimicrobial resistance in different environments. This not only helps to mitigate the potential risks associated with AMR but also contributes to a broader understanding of our intertwined relationship with other species and ecosystems.