Abstract
The methodology is intended for diagnostic laboratories focused on bee infections. Detection of the causative agents of American foulbrood (Paenibacillus larvae) and European foulbrood (Melissococcus plutonius) is essential to prevent the spread of those highly contagious infections of a honey bee (Apis mellifera) diseases.
In case of the suspicion, an examination of bee colonies in protective zones of the disease is indicated. The second possibility of use is the confirmation of the infection based on the detected clinical symptoms in the bee colony.
The main target user in the Czech Republic are laboratories investigating animal diseases for the State Veterinary Administration (SVS) (accredited laboratories) in case of suspected disease and investigations in protective zones. Other target users are laboratories investigating bee colonies for reasons of preventive surveillance based on the request of beekeepers.
The PCR method enables fast and reliable detection of P. larvae and M. plutonius from different samples taken from the bee colony. Compared to classic microbiological techniques, it allows to provide a result within a few hours of receiving the sample in the laboratory.
In this way, it is possible to ensure, above all during the period of intense flight activity of bees, early intervention in bee colonies suspected of the occurrence of the mentioned diseases and to prevent the spread of the disease to nearby habitats of bee colonies.