Modulation of gut microbiocenosis and immune response of honey bees using probiotic lactobacilli in a new application form

The aim of this project is to obtain scienticic backround for the development of probiotic preparation on the basis of autochtonous honey bee lactobacilli in a new application form. Probiotic is designed to increase the bee colony immunity against infectious diseases, focusing primarily on American foulbrood. New application form should increase the efficacy of beneficial microorganisms by their stabilization and potentiating their probiotic effect. Research is focused on verification of the positive effect of probiotic not only on gut microbiocenosis composition and Paenibacillus larvae inhibition, but also on bee immune response modulation and bee products quality. The results will augment knowledge of the mode of action of probiotics in bees, and ways of increasing their efficacy. Natural substances should be used for replacement of antibiotics and therefore their application in practice will have a direct impact on increase of food quality for humans (bee products) and reduction of environmental burden.