Abstract Title
Tailocin Treatment of Foulbrood Disease in Honeybees
Abstract
Tailocins are antibacterial proteins produced by some bacteria in order to kill closely related bacterial strains. In nature, this benefits the microbe by offering a way for them to control the bacterial composition of their environments. However, in a lab setting, researchers can use these tailocins to treat against unwanted bacteria. The purpose of this research project is to test whether a tailocin treatment is a viable option in protecting honey bees against the deadly American Foulbrood disease, which is caused by the bacterial species Paenibacillus larvae. To test this, the proposed research will involve three major parts: Collection and purification of tailocins from honey bee pathogens, in vitro analysis of tailocins against strains of P. larvae, and in vivo treatment of infected bees by tailocins. This work addresses the urgent need to develop novel antibacterials and reduce our dependence on traditional antibiotics. Currently, research remains in the in vitro stage of testing.
Tailocin Treatment of Foulbrood Disease in Honeybees
Tailocins are antibacterial proteins produced by some bacteria in order to kill closely related bacterial strains. In nature, this benefits the microbe by offering a way for them to control the bacterial composition of their environments. However, in a lab setting, researchers can use these tailocins to treat against unwanted bacteria. The purpose of this research project is to test whether a tailocin treatment is a viable option in protecting honey bees against the deadly American Foulbrood disease, which is caused by the bacterial species Paenibacillus larvae. To test this, the proposed research will involve three major parts: Collection and purification of tailocins from honey bee pathogens, in vitro analysis of tailocins against strains of P. larvae, and in vivo treatment of infected bees by tailocins. This work addresses the urgent need to develop novel antibacterials and reduce our dependence on traditional antibiotics. Currently, research remains in the in vitro stage of testing.