Identification of Parasitic Infections by Analyzing Honeybees, Honey, and Pollen Using Droplet Digital RT-PCR

Identification of Parasitic Infections by Analyzing Honeybees, Honey, and Pollen Using Droplet Digital RT-PCR

<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, <i>Giardia intestinalis</i>, and <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. are common pathogens that contaminate water and food. They can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups like immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, you...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Luigi Jacopo D’Auria, Andrea Mancusi, Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga, Irene Dini, Tiziana Cardellicchio, Orlandina Di Maro, Sabato De Vita, Marica Egidio, Raffaele Marrone, Giuseppe Rofrano
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Microorganisms
Subjects:
bioindicators
droplet digital RT-PCR
hive products
honey
honeybees
pollen
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1487
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, <i>Giardia intestinalis</i>, and <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. are common pathogens that contaminate water and food. They can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups like immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, young children, and aging people. An all-encompassing approach to minimizing transmission involves identifying effective techniques for detecting, treating, and preventing protozoan parasites. This study confirmed the effectiveness of a Droplet Digital Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (dd RT-PCR) method for quickly and accurately identifying <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, <i>Giardia intestinalis</i>, and <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species in honeybees, honey, and pollen by using ISO 17468 and ISO 16140 standard guidelines. The study evaluated honeybee (<i>n</i> = 16), honey (<i>n</i> = 12), and pollen (<i>n</i> = 8) samples collected from various apiaries in Southern Italy between June and September 2023. The results showed that honeybees, honey, and pollen can be considered bioindicators of infections by <i>T. gondii</i>, <i>G. intestinalis</i>, and <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. Furthermore, pollen, along with honey to a lesser degree, can serve as significant indicators for evaluating food safety. Therefore, it is essential to monitor their quality and purity due to environmental influences.
ISSN:2076-2607

Similar Items