Environmental Sources of Possible Associated Pathogens and Contaminants of Stingless Bees in the Neotropics

TL;DR

This paper reviews pathogens and contaminants affecting stingless bees in tropical regions, highlighting their environmental and health impacts.

Contribution

A comprehensive review of 30 studies identifying 15 pathogens and 26 pollutants affecting stingless bees in the Neotropics.

Findings

Bacterial genera like Pseudomonas and Melissococcus are linked to colony deaths in stingless bees.

Heavy metals and microplastics were found in stingless bee products like honey.

Environmental contaminants and pathogens threaten bee survival and highlight the need for One Health approaches.

Abstract

The Meliponini tribe of bees, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical climates around the world, play an important role in pollination. It is imperative to ascertain the microorganisms and contaminants that impact them, which may also be of human origin, to implement preventive measures for their conservation. A comprehensive investigation was conducted into agents associated with stingless-bee diseases and contaminants, as well as their origin and spread. The presence of bacteria and viruses associated with a particular syndrome that results in the death of colonies of the Melipona species has been identified. Contaminants found in materials inside the nest, as well as in the products derived from stingless bees and destined for human consumption, were indicative of the quality and health of the environment surrounding the nests, increasing the vulnerability of the bees. It is imperative to expand research efforts to explore the health of bees in greater depth from a One Health perspective and to elucidate how biotic and abiotic factors pose threats to the lives of stingless bees, both individually and in combination with other factors.

Stingless bees are crucial for pollination and support diverse ecological relationships, offering economic benefits and contributing to enhanced crop yields. Their tropical pollinator status makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes and disruptions, which could affect their survival, as well as to pathogens that threaten their health. The lack of comprehensive research and the scattering of reports make it difficult to identify pathogens and contaminants. This review aims to provide an overview of diseases in stingless bees, examine chemical contaminants in their products, and explore threatened sources. Using the PRISMA flowchart, a total of 30 articles from 2009 to 2024 concerning pathogens and contaminants in stingless bees were retrieved. A total of 15 pathogens and 26 pollutants affect life expectancy and survival rate of stingless bees (mainly the genera Melipona and Tetragonisca) were identified in five major areas of the Neotropics, including Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia, and Asia. Studies indicated that the bacterial genera Pseudomonas, Melissococcus, and Lysinibacillus are affecting the survival of stingless bees, particularly their brood, and contributing to annual colony deaths. Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microplastics have been detected in by-products of stingless bees, especially honey. Epidemiological research is crucial, including studies on pathogens associated with diseases, the effects of contaminants on bees, and the development of quality guidelines for stingless-bee products.

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