BACILLUS LARVAE INFECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Bacillus larvae infection refers to an infectious disease that affects honeybee larvae caused by the bacterium Bacillus larvae. This bacterium is an anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus.
Honeybee larvae become susceptible to Bacillus larvae infection within the first three days of hatching when they are fed by worker bees. The spores of Bacillus larvae are introduced into the gut of the larvae, where they germinate and release toxins that lead to infection. The infection progresses rapidly, particularly when the colony population is high and the infected larvae are not effectively removed by worker bees.
The symptoms of Bacillus larvae infection are generally visible in the larvae's appearance. Infected larvae typically turn yellow or brown and exhibit a characteristic "ropiness" when touched with a matchstick or probe. They tend to die prematurely, usually during the larval stage, resulting in a significant loss of brood for the honeybee colony.
Bacillus larvae infection is highly contagious and can spread within a colony through shared food resources and contact with infected larvae. It is crucial to diagnose and manage the infection promptly to prevent its spread and mitigate its impact on honeybee colonies. Various management strategies, such as antibiotics or destroying infected combs, may be employed to control the disease and protect the overall health and productivity of the affected colonies.
